President Chen hopes for lasting relationship with SVG

Vincentians will remember President Chen Shui-bian, of Taiwan for a very long time having warmed their hearts with his charisma and humorous demeanor.

On Wednesday, September 28, 2005 addressing thousands of people at the E.T Joshua airport, who turned out to welcome him, the visiting leader well aware of this country’s election season at the time, joked about vying for a seat in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. This was well appreciated by the Vincentian gathering. {{more}}

“So perhaps in 2008, when I’m no longer President of the Republic of China on Taiwan, maybe I should come here and run for elections,” the President said to the very amused gathering.

There were persons who climbed the security fences to get a better view of President Chen. Those who could not find adequate space at the airport stayed on the main road while some persons chose to sit on nearby embankments.

Taking in the warm reception, President Chen expressed that he and his delegation could feel from the bottom of their hearts how welcomed they were.

Again, President Chen stirred laughter throughout the gathering when he said the crowd turned out in large numbers because they were given a half-holiday.

He jokingly suggested that he should visit St.Vincent and the Grenadines every month so that Vincentians would get more holidays.

“It is our earnest hope and expectations that the enduring friendship between our two countries will not just last 25 years nor 25 plus 25 years, but forever into eternity,” said President Chen.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that the President’s visit was enveloped in history making. He said it would deepen the ties that exist between St.Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan.

The Prime Minister said he was elated to welcome President Chen to St.Vincent and the Grenadines under his leadership.

Before leaving St.Vincent and the Grenadines President Chen created history as the first President of the ROC who has had the distinguished honour of addressing the Parliament of a foreign nation.

He also signed a joint communiqué with Dr. Gonsalves, promising to deepen diplomatic relations between both countries and assisting St.Vincent and the Grenadines with its international airport.