Staff writer Eunice Nisbett
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 17, 2013 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis stands to benefit from Taiwan’s enhanced International presence, as outlined in a videoconference by President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ma Ying-jeou, who also outlined a road map for Taiwan’s future
President Ma’s statement came during a videoconference with the prestigious Stanford University in California U.S.A. on Tuesday April 15, 2013.
Members of the US academic community attended the event, which was cheered by former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The Federation has already benefited from this presence. This is according to an official at the Embassy of Taiwan on St. Kitts, who stated that the number of scholarships awarded to Kittitians and Nevisians, has increased to 40. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will welcome 20 applicants and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) will be allotted the remaining 20.
Former US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice.
A number of issues such as relations between Taiwan and China, Taiwan’s enhanced presence, the development of economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and the US as well as Taiwan’s value as a beacon of democracy were discussed.
During the conference, President Ma Ying-jeou mentioned a number of ‘modus operandi’ designed by his administration. These he said, broadly defines how Taiwan would pursue peace and prosperity with Mainland China.
“These included iteration of the ‘Three No’s’ – no unification, no Independence and no use of force,” Ma emphasized. “This formulation sets clear parameters for how both parties can work to move the relationship forward, in a positive direction, without misunderstanding or hidden agenda.
President-Ma-and-Ambassador-Tsao
President Ma stressed that this would build mutual trust and achieves mutual benefit for the people on either side of the Taiwan Straits. Ma further stated that as cross-strait relations continue to develop peacefully, Taiwan will gain an enhanced international presence.
Ma Ying-jeou said Taiwan continues to face many challenges, but they will steadfastly promote cross-strait peace as well as avoid any changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Straits.
