Taiwan president stresses good ties with SVG

Taipei, Aug. 30 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou said Monday that the signing of a landmark trade pact with China will not affect Taiwan's close relations with the Caribbean ally of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During a meeting at the Presidential Office with Louis Straker, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of St. Vincent and the the Grenadines, Ma said that an investment protection agreement signed last December has already helped develop Taiwan's economic and trade relations with St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Even though Taiwan has improved its relations with China in various fields over the past two years, Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- which have enjoyed diplomatic ties for 29 years -- will continue to carry out close bilateral exchanges, Ma said.

He also said the recently signed economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) is expected to reduce tensions across the Taiwan Strait and enhance peace and prosperity for the two sides.

"Under the new circumstances, Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are still able to deliver on promises to each other and maintain close ties," Ma said.

Ma also expressed thanks to the Caribbean ally for sending its condolences to Taiwan during Typhoon Morakot last August, and for its continued support for Taiwan's participation in international events.

(By Lee Shu-hua)