Ambassador Edward Tao Reinforces Taiwan-St. Kitts and Nevis Relations Through Diplomatic Engagements

The week of September 2nd, 2025, witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity as Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Edward Tao, accompanied by his wife and a delegation, embarked on a series of engagements designed to strengthen the ties between the two nations. These meetings, ranging from courtesy calls to substantive discussions on bilateral cooperation, underscored the deep and enduring partnership between the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan), a relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for a sustainable future. The week’s activities served not only to reaffirm existing commitments but also to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the realms of sustainable development and environmental action.

A significant highlight of the diplomatic itinerary was the courtesy call on Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, M.H., the Deputy Governor-General, at Government House in Nevis on September 5th. This visit, imbued with warmth and cordiality, symbolized the strong personal connections that underpin the formal diplomatic relationship. The setting of the historic Government House provided a fitting backdrop for an exchange that reaffirmed the mutual respect and friendship shared between the two nations. The presence of Ambassador Tao’s wife, Mrs. Tao, as well as Secretary Christina Hsu, Taiwan Technical Mission Leader Roy Lo, and Mandarin instructor Chen Chi, further emphasized the significance of the visit and the multifaceted nature of the Taiwan-St. Kitts and Nevis relationship.

The diplomatic engagement extended beyond ceremonial visits to encompass discussions on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Tao met with Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, on September 4th. This meeting focused on exploring ways to deepen collaboration in sustainable development, a shared priority for both nations. Ambassador Tao reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to supporting the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), a comprehensive roadmap for achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The discussions also touched upon the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, with both sides expressing their commitment to working together to address the pressing challenges of climate change and to advocate for a more sustainable future.

Strengthening parliamentary ties was also a key focus of the diplomatic mission. Ambassador Tao paid a courtesy call to Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Lanein Blanchette, where he expressed his admiration for the workings of the parliament. This visit served to reinforce the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation. Madam Speaker Blanchette, in turn, acknowledged Taiwan’s significant contributions to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly in the sectors of healthcare, agriculture, and education. She recalled the unanimous parliamentary resolution passed in April 2025 reaffirming support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, a testament to the strong and unwavering support that Taiwan enjoys in the Federation. The conversation also highlighted the positive impact of Taiwan’s scholarship programs, which have provided numerous educational opportunities for young people from St. Kitts and Nevis.

A particularly poignant moment of the week was Ambassador Tao’s meeting with Dr. the Right Hon. Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds, National Hero and first Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. This meeting transcended the purely diplomatic, evoking a shared history of service and dedication to the well-being of their respective peoples. Both Sir Kennedy and Taiwan’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, were physicians, a shared background that provided a common ground for discussion. Sir Kennedy commended Taiwan’s long-standing agricultural assistance, reminiscing about the early days of rice cultivation in St. Kitts and Nevis with Taiwan’s support. He also praised Taiwan’s transformative “Ten Major Construction Projects,” a series of ambitious infrastructure projects that propelled Taiwan’s economic development. This meeting served as a powerful reminder of the long and fruitful history of cooperation between the two nations.

The week’s diplomatic engagements served to underscore the enduring strength and depth of the relationship between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis. These meetings, characterized by warmth, cordiality, and a shared vision for the future, reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their partnership. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of areas, from sustainable development and climate action to parliamentary cooperation and educational exchanges. Beyond the formal diplomatic exchanges, the personal connections forged during these visits underscored the human element at the heart of this enduring partnership. The week’s activities served as a testament to the shared values of democracy, mutual respect, and a commitment to sustainable growth that bind these two nations together. The diplomatic endeavors of Ambassador Tao and his delegation represent a continuation of a long-standing relationship built on trust and cooperation, paving the way for even deeper collaboration in the years to come.