Ambassador Lee, who succeeded H.E George Gow-wei Chiou, made that commitment on Tuesday, August 14, when he made his first official call on Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, at his office at Government Headquarters.
“I feel very honoured to be posted as an Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to your beautiful country,” His Excellency Lee told Prime Minister Harris during the brief meeting.
The ambassador further noted, “We have very strong ties together and based on these good relations we will continue to work hard to further deepen these relations. My job here is to follow the steps [of my predecessors] and also to keep the good ties and expand our relations.”
Prime Minister Harris extended his personal congratulations to His Excellency Lee on his appointment as Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, noting, “Your Government has reposed tremendous confidence in you to be able to consolidate and deepen the bilateral cooperation between our two countries, and I have every expectation that you will in fact live up to those expectations of your government.”
The bilateral relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) span over three decades. Prime Minister Harris told Ambassador Lee that he has now been entrusted with the baton to ensure the continuation and growth of this mutually beneficial relationship.
“We have been one of the most, if not the most, reliable ally of the Republic of China (Taiwan) over the last 35 years. While several of your allies within Latin America and the Caribbean have wavered, some even shifted alliances, and some left and returned, St. Kitts and Nevis has been consistent in its support. We have been a friend on whom you can rely, so as you embark upon your stint of duty here you should do so with confidence that you are among people who love your own people, your government; who love the cooperation [and] who love the benefits that have endured as a result of our bilateral friendship,” Dr. Harris disclosed.
During their discussions, the St. Kitts and Nevis prime minister highlighted several of the cooperative projects that have been instrumental in cementing the strong bonds shared between Taiwan and the twin island Federation, particularly as it relates to assistance rendered in strengthening the national security framework of the country.
Paramount among these are the financial assistance given in support of phase 1 of the multimillion-dollar Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Project, and upgrading of the fleet of vehicles being used by the security forces.
Ambassador Lee earlier presented his credentials to Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP at Government House. He also paid a courtesy call on Premier of Nevis and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mark Brantley.
