The deepening of diplomatic ties between Barbados and Taiwan was highlighted during courtesy calls paid by a Taiwanese delegation led by Legislator Wu Chih-yang, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, and Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, John King, on Tuesday, September 20. The Taiwanese delegation used the occasion to donate 200,000 face masks to the Government and people of Barbados. The delegation also presented 23,000 cloth masks made by a Taiwanese NGO to the Barbados Red Cross Society, as part of the ongoing humanitarian assistance provided by the Government and people of Taiwan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Symmonds, in accepting the donation on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, expressed the country’s gratitude for Taiwan’s continued support, particularly during this difficult period. Minister Symmonds also recognized the positive and expanding cooperation between the two countries. “Barbados and Taiwan enjoy cordial diplomatic relations, and our bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to yield tangible benefits for both sides,” he said. Taiwan’s representative to Barbados, Ambassador Peter Chen, described the mask donation as a gesture of friendship and solidarity, especially at this critical time when masks are in great demand. The Taiwanese delegation also paid separate courtesy calls on the Minister of Culture, Sports and the Creative Economy, John King, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir. During the meeting with Minister King, Ambassador Chen pledged to build on the successful Taiwan Expo held in Barbados in 2019, and to strengthen cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Minister King welcomed the proposal and indicated the Government’s support for future collaborations. Similarly, during the discussions with Minister Weir, Ambassador Chen outlined the potential for cooperation in the areas of agriculture and fisheries. Minister Weir welcomed these initiatives, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is committed to working with the Government and people of Taiwan in these important sectors. Legislator Wu Chih-yang, who led the delegation, emphasized Taiwan’s long-standing commitment to its diplomatic allies, and underscored the importance of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Taiwanese delegation’s visit to Barbados was a testament to the deepening diplomatic ties and the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The delegation’s donation of masks underscored Taiwan’s ongoing humanitarian support to Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussions held with various Barbadian government ministers highlighted the potential for further cooperation in areas such as culture, trade, and agriculture..
Barbados-Taiwan Ties Flourish on Bilateral, Humanitarian Exchange
