St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday has reaffirmed the country’s close relationship with Taiwan following his official visit to the island, despite previously indicating that an NDP government would switch diplomatic recognition to China.

Friday visited Taiwan from August 11 to 15, leading a nine-member delegation on a trip that coincided with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Friday described Taiwan as a great friend and partner of St Vincent and the Grenadines and said his government would continue supporting Taiwan’s efforts to participate in international organisations.

“We support them in their aspirations in the international arena and we have given that commitment that that support continues and we will look for ways in which we can assist their legitimate request for participation in global institutions and organisations,” he said.

Friday’s position marks a shift from comments he made before becoming prime minister.

The NDP leader had previously indicated that if his party formed the government, it would move St Vincent and the Grenadines away from Taiwan and establish relations with China. He also visited Beijing and Shanghai in 2018.

China requires countries establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing to recognise its “One China” principle, under which Taiwan is regarded as part of China and the People’s Republic of China is recognised as the sole legal government representing China.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, meanwhile, remains one of Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Belize and Haiti also maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan has been an important source of development assistance and financing for its Caribbean partners, supporting projects including roads and hospitals, as well as scholarships and technical assistance.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwanese support has contributed to the construction of the country’s international airport, the new port in Kingstown and the new hospital.

During his visit, Friday met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and other senior government officials.

The prime minister said the visit resulted in discussions on ways to strengthen relations, including opportunities targeting young people.

“A lot of the discussions looked at creative ways to do that and some of them are really very exciting especially for young people,” he said.

Friday said both sides had agreed in principle on several areas of cooperation, although further work was needed to determine how the initiatives would be implemented.

He described the visit as successful and said he looked forward to working with the Taiwanese government on areas of mutual benefit.