A large delegation of Taiwan's diplomatic partners in the Caribbean will visit Taipei to witness the president-elect's speech Lai Chinte and Vice President Hsiao Bikim will take the oath of office next week.
Lai, a staunch defender of Taiwan's democracy and independence from China, will be sworn in as President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday and lead the island's more than 23 million people.
The leaders of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Belize and Saint Lucia are scheduled to arrive in Taipei over the weekend.
There has been no word on whether representatives of Haiti's embattled government will attend.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and a seven-member delegation departed from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on May 15, accompanied by the Taiwanese ambassador.
They made a quick stop in New York before heading to Asia.
Prime Minister Gonsalves said in a video posted on the Prime Minister's Office Facebook page that the visit would last five days and be packed with meetings aimed at strengthening ties between the two island nations.
Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Philippe Pierre left the island for Taiwan yesterday.
The prime minister's office said in a statement that Pierre had been invited to witness the swearing-in ceremony.This highlights the strong and enduring bond between our two countries. ”
“During his visit to Taiwan, Prime Minister Pierre will have the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” the statement said.
He is scheduled to return to Japan on May 27th.
Caribbean leaders will join more than 500 foreign dignitaries from around the world in the swearing-in ceremony.
