Taiwan is not only a “friend” but a “best friend” of St Kitts and Nevis: Mark Brantley

Foreign Affairs Minister of St Kitts and Nevis – Mark Brantley talked about the bilateral relationship with Taiwan and other matters of concern while interacting with an Indian media house – WION in New York, US.

Brantley noted that St Kitts and Nevis shares a very robust and long time relationship with Taiwan since the twin-island nation got independence on 19th September 1983.

He said Taiwan was the first nation to recognize St Kitts and Nevis as a country. He highlighted that Taiwan stood by the country in the difficult times of the COVID-19 outbreak. He said Taiwan is not only a “friend” but a “best friend” of St Kitts and Nevis.

Brantley spoke to the Indian media house while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He described United Nations as a platform that has helped to close the gap between the rich and poor nations across the world.

While speaking on climate change, Brantley said that “We cannot put climate change on the backburner. The world powers are recognizing the impact of climate change. There is extreme weather globally and has become now a global threat for which we all need consistency in our approach.”

“We are the smaller nations who bear the most utmost threat from climate change,” said Brantley.

He then added it is the need of the hour that the whole world must come together to tackle this global threat.

Besides this, he appreciated the government and people of India for delivering the COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX facility to the various Caribbean nations and added that “We cherish our relationship with India.”

“The vaccines donated by the Indian government has allowed us in St Kitts and Nevis and most of the Caribbean to commence the vaccination process. It is a matter of tremendous merit,” added the minister.

India assisted Caribbean countries in kickstarting their vaccination drives, Dominica was the first to be benefitted, and later many other countries, including St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and several others received the doses.