The Government of Saint Lucia is in the process of selecting an ambas­sador, after recently opening an embassy in Taiwan.

According to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Hubert Emmanuel, government has considered a few options but a choice has not yet been made.

"Of course, when choosing an ambassador we take into account the strengths of the person in relation to the country where they will be based. The ambassador will also need to have some knowledge of the relationships between the countries," he said. "In the case of Taiwan we want someone who will truly represent our interests in Asia."

The final decision, Mr. Emmanuel said, rests with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister. He added that an appointment is expected to be made by the end of the week.

Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have maintained close cooperation in public health, education, infrastruc­ture and culture since resuming diplomatic relations in 2007.

At the June 4 embassy inauguration ceremony, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alva Baptiste said the embassy will be tasked with promoting foreign in­vestment in Saint Lucia while its presence in Taiwan will help advance bilateral ties. He lauded Taiwan as "a model of economic development for small states," as it has engaged in a technological revolution that has enhanced its economic develop­ment and the welfare of its people.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister David Lin  welcomed the establish­ment of the embassy.

"The opening of an embassy of Saint Lucia in the ROC marks a new milestone that will create more oppor­tunities for exchanges and cooper­ation," he said, adding that Taiwan could serve as a gateway for Saint Lucia to the rest of the region.

Saint Lucian students in Taiwan have also been congratulating the Government of Saint Lucia. Over eighty Saint Lucians are on long-term scholarships at universities across Taiwan.

Sa­brina Sayers spoke on behalf of the Asso­ciation of Saint Lucians in Taiwan.

“We are excited to finally have an official Saint Lucian presence in Taiwan," she said. "We have faced diffi­culties over the years, from getting passports renewed to putting on cultural expositions, and I am confident that with the opening of the embas­sy, these issues will cease to exist. We look forward to a future with endless possibilities as we work to not only acquire an education, but also to represent Saint Lucia in every way possible.”

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. An­thony, accompanied by Minister Alva Baptiste, and Per­manent Representative of Saint Lu­cia to the United Nations, Menissa Rambally. Also present were Taiwan's Foreign Minister David Lin, Taiwan's ambassador to St. Lu­cia James Chang, and other foreign affairs officials.