Above: Ma Ying-jeou

By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas was reportedly the first world leader to congratulate Taiwanese President Dr Ma Ying-jeou on his re-election.

It came as little surprise, as the two countries have forged a strong bond in recent years, working together on a number of initiatives, from agronomic projects to a recent pilot programme in the field of solar energy, led of late by Taiwanese Ambassador Miguel Tsao.

“I am sure your country will continue to benefit from your great talent and experience,” Douglas said in a congratulatory message. “The government of St Kitts and Nevis remains firmly committed to the friendship and fraternal goodwill that have characterized and guided the relationship.”

Douglas said he hoped the 29-year partnership between the countries would continue.

“This, we trust, will continue to produce benefits of mutual advantage for both our countries,” he said.

Taiwan is one of a host of Asian countries making moves in the Caribbean, led by China.