Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 26, 2007 (CUOPM)
Australia says the people-to-people ties with St. Kitts and Nevis were strengthened during the recent 2007 Cricket World Cup in Basseterre earlier this year.
Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard in wishing warmest wishes to St. Kitts and Nevis‘ Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L.Douglas on this nation’s 24th Anniversary of Independence said both countries enjoy warm and friendly relations that are underpinned by “our shared sporting endeavors, especially cricket, membership of the Commonwealth,international for a such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.”
“Our people-to-people ties were strengthened further during the 2007 Cricket World Cup when the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the first of Australia matches at the Warner Park Stadium. I appreciate greatly the warmth which the Australian Team was received,” said Prime Minister Howard.
The United States,the Republic of China on Taiwan,Guyana, India and Cuba were among several regional and international States sending messages of congratulations on St. Kitts and Nevis’ 24th Anniversary of Independence.Premier of the Republic of China (Taiwan),His Excellency Chung-hsiung Chang is of the firm belief that under the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Douglas, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to progress and flourish in all aspects.
“I also trust that the cordial relations and cooperation between our two countries will be strengthened in the years ahead,” said the Taiwan Premier.
American President, the Hon. George W. Bush said the United States values the friendly ties with St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We both can be justly proud of the strong democratic traditions we share. We look forward to working with the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis on enhancing prosperity, security and good governance throughout the region,”said Mr. Bush to Prime Minister Douglas.
President of Guyana,His Excellency Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo expressed appreciation for the friendly and fruitful relations which exist between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
“It is my hope that the years ahead will witness a further strengthening of the relations both on the bilateral and regional levels, as we together we seek to improve the well being of our peoples,” said the Guyanese President.
First Vice-President of the Councils of State and of the Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, His Excellency Raul Castro Ruz said it was a pleasure to congratulate the People and Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, on behalf ofthe Cuban people and Government; “as well as in renewing our resolve to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting our peoples and countries.”
The Indian Prime Minister, the Hon. Manmohan Singh wished Prime Minister Douglas best wishes for his personal well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of St. Kitts & Nevis.
Chief Minister of Montserrat, the Hon. Dr. Lowell Lewis wished Prime Minister Douglas “best wishes in the year ahead, for the happiness, stability, peace and prosperity of the Government and People of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis.”
The Secretariat of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States commended the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on the selected theme marking the celebrations of “Self Reliance, Social Responsibility: the Foundations of Independence” and its unswerving commitment to the deepening of OECS integration.
Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, His Excellency Dr. Chelston Brathwaite in congratulating Prime Minister Douglas noted that in with its Mission, the”Medium-Term Plan for 2006-2010 is aimed at contributing to the reduction of rural poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by promoting a modern agriculture sector and prosperity in the rural communities of the Americas.”
The Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean said it looked forward to continued fruitful cooperation with the Government and to a further strengthening of the cordial relations, which exist between St. Kitts and Nevis and the European Commission.