Basseterre City signs agreement with Kaohsiung City to become sister cities, enhance collaboration

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: With a vision to enhance the overall growth and development of both the nations and lead the country towards sustainable development.  The Basseterre city of St. Kitts and Nevis have signed a significant agreement with Kaohsiung City of Republic of China (Taiwan) to become sister cities.

The signing of the ceremony took place in Kaohsiung on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 between Dr Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Chi-Mai Chen, the Mayor of Kaohsiung City.

The agreement aims to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among each other across several fields such as education, culture, business, healthcare and technology. This crucial partnership between both the nations would play a huge role in strengthening economic relations, promote cultural exchange and foster innovative developments.

During the signing of the agreement, PM Drew shared the main agenda of creating a “smart city development” and stated that it is the cornerstone of their sustainable development initiatives such as agriculture, tourism and healthcare. He noted that through this partnership, the nation is taking little steps towards fulfilling their agenda of making St Kitts and Nevis a sustainable island state by 2040.

The leader of the nation called this agreement “a specially designed cooperative agenda” which emphasises unwavering commitment and dedication towards creating mutual benefit and targeted exchanges.

He also shared the healthcare benefits that the island nation can avail through their partnership with Kaohsiung’s leading medical institutions. He asserted that five doctors of the country have already received training in Kaohsiung and with this crucial knowledge and skills, St Kitts and Nevis would likely to create a huge growth in the health department.

Remus Chen, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that this partnership shed light on their determination towards strengthening friendship between Taiwan and St Kitts and Nevis. He said that he is optimistic and confident that this partnership would grow in many years to come.

Moreover, Chi-Mai Chen, the Mayor of Kaohsiung City called this sister city partnership a huge milestone towards fostering their ties and relations. He noted that they are looking for creating a future which their cities can flourish through innovative methods and plans.