Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Friday its congratulations to Godwin Friday, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, along with the newly elected members of the allied nation's Parliament, following their recent election win.

According to Focus Taiwan, the NDP secured a 14-1 majority in Parliament against Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in a closely contested election, positioning Friday to become the country's seventh prime minister since its independence in 1979. The congratulations were relayed by Fiona Fan, Taiwan's ambassador to the Caribbean nation, which has maintained diplomatic ties with Taiwan since 1981.

In a press release, MOFA praised the peaceful and smooth conduct of the elections, emphasizing the open and transparent democratic process as a testament to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' commitment to democracy and its stable political culture.

Over the 44 years of diplomatic relations, both nations have collaborated closely, achieving significant progress in areas such as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, public health, information and communications technology (ICT), and women's empowerment, MOFA noted.

Highlighting their shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, the ministry affirmed Taiwan's commitment to advancing bilateral projects, enhancing cooperation, and deepening their mutually beneficial partnership to promote well-being and sustainable development.