Basseterre, St. Kitts Secures Second Sister City Agreement in Two Days with Historic Tainan Signing

Tainan, Taiwan, November 14th, 2025 (PMO) – Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew witnessed and participated in the signing of a historic Sister City Agreement between Basseterre and Tainan City, marking the second such partnership formalized between the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis and a major Taiwanese city in two days.

The ceremony, held in Tainan, further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan), expanding avenues for cultural exchange, educational collaboration, community development, and shared innovation.

Prime Minister Drew described the agreement as another meaningful step in a friendship that has “stood strong for over four decades,” noting that the twin-island Federation and Taiwan continue to demonstrate how small nations can make significant global contributions. “Our size does not define our impact,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on his earlier discussions with President Lai Ching-te, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship, saying, “Taiwan is not a question, it is an answer. An answer to development challenges, an answer to opportunities, and an answer to partnerships that genuinely uplift people.”

In his remarks, Dr. Drew spoke warmly and humorously about the cultural and historical similarities between the two nations, highlighting Tainan’s unique identity as Taiwan’s first capital and its deep cultural heritage. He likened Tainan’s centuries-old fortresses and temples to the iconic Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts, noting that both nations preserve stories of resilience and shared values.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the notable connection between the Nevis Mango Festival and the Tainan International Mango Festival, calling it a symbol of cultural kinship. “Any city that loves mangoes as much as we do must be family, no debate necessary.”

Notably, Tainan is home to several Kittitian and Nevisian students, many pursuing Mechanical Engineering. Their presence, Dr. Drew said, reflects the tangible benefits of the partnership.

The signing between Basseterre and Tainan follows Thursday’s formalization of a similar Sister City Agreement between Basseterre and Taipei City. Together, these affiliations deepen the Federation’s ties across Taiwan and open new doors for collaboration at every level, government to government, institution to institution, and people to people.

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