CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Taiwan has agreed to assist the St Lucia Government in efforts to fight crime in all its forms.

On Wednesday, both governments signed a Bilateral Police Co-operation Agreement that will bring several benefits to the Royal St Lucia Police Force and strengthen the organisation in key areas of national security.

Major upgrades in equipment and technology, training, personnel visits, and knowledge sharing are expected to be borne out of the latest collaboration.

National Security Minister Senator Hermangild Francis signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Taiwan Dr Lee Ta-Wei, who is on an official visit to St Lucia.

Also present were Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and other Cabinet members.

Francis says he is looking forward to the collaboration as it marks a new milestone in relations between the two countries.

He also joined the prime minister in expressing immense gratitude to the Government and People of Taiwan for assisting the Government of St Lucia in the area of national security; a ground-breaking step in the long-standing diplomatic relationship shared by the two countries.