On the second day of his visit to Malawi, President Chen Shui-bian (
After arriving in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, on Friday afternoon, Chen's delegation was briefed by Chen His-tsen (
Secretary-General to the President Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said that Taiwan is extending this humanitarian aid to raise the country's standard of living and that it hopes that through this action Taiwan will have the opportunity to be a signatory of the Food Aid Convention.
PHOTO: CNA
Chen and his delegation then flew to Blantyre, the hometown of Muluzi. At an official banquet Friday night, Muluzi said that he had visited Taiwan on three occasions, but that Chen is the first ROC head of state to visit. He said that Chen still owed him two visits, and Chen agreed that he would make another visit if opportunity allowed.
Chen yesterday visited the city council at Blantyre, where he was given the keys of the city. Twenty-six council members in traditional costume welcomed the president, and thousands of women, also in their colorful traditional costume, gathered for a welcome celebration.
"Malawi is the warm heart of Africa," Chen said, "and Blantyre is the friendliest place in this country."
Chen then inspected the Davis Whitehead and Sons Malawi Ltd, the biggest textile factory in the city, and also visited the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, in order to gain an insight into the country's battle against disease.
The three most serious diseases that currently plague Malawi are AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Seventy percent of people in hospitals are suffering from AIDS. Chen announced that he would make a donation of US$10,000 to hospitals, and asked Li Ming-liang (
Three people on alternative service are currently serving with the diplomatic services in Malawi. Luo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) is serving with the medical team while Ou Wen-kai (歐文凱) and Ruan Yao-feng (阮耀鋒) are with agricultural teams.
Chen presented each man with a packet of instant noodles and a book of photographs of him. "Helping people over here, you must also remember to look after yourself," he told them.
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