President of Taiwan Chen Shui-bian, accompanied by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas inspects a Guard of Honour upon arrival previously on a state visit to St Kitts and Nevis. Photo by Erasmus Williams

January 26, 2008, BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CUOPM): St Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan are expected to further consolidate their friendly relations when the Prime Minister of the twin-island Federation, Dr Denzil Douglas pays an official Visit to Taipei next week.

The official visit begins on Sunday with the arrival of the delegation at the Taoyuan International Airport.

While in Taipei, Douglas will meet with Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Huang, attend a ceremony for the signing of a new Technical Cooperation Agreement between the government of Taiwan and the government of St Kitts and Nevis and meet separately with President Chen Shui-bian and Premier Chang Chun-hsiung.

A major event during the visit is the official opening of an Embassy of St Kitts and Nevis in Taiwan on Monday afternoon.

Douglas and his delegation will also meet with nationals of St Kitts and Nevis studying in Taiwan before returning home.

Taiwan established diplomatic relations with the Caribbean country in October 1983.