Sao Tome president ends trip by signing joint communique

Responding to an invitation by Sao Tome and Principe President Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, who concluded his official visit yesterday, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) said he was looking forward to visiting the African country next year.

Chen and his counterpart from Sao Tome and Principe signed a joint communique at the Presidential Office yesterday morning, promising to enhance bilateral ties and to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Prior to the ceremony, Chen said the visit by Menezes to Taiwan three months after his inauguration was indicative of the firm ties between the two nations.

"I am looking forward to possibly visiting Africa next year thereby meeting President Menezes for a second time," Chen said.

He expressed the hope that the African ally could excel to become what he termed "the Taiwan of Africa" under the basis of enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

Chen also expressed appreciation for Sao Tome and Principe's support for Taiwan, particularly in the country's bid to join major international organizations.

Upon concluding his five-day trip yesterday, Menezes said he had an "abundant" visit, witnessing all aspects of the country's achievements.

Menezes also expressed his gratitude for all the assistance Taiwan has offered his country since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Sao Tome and Principe, which is 1,001km2 and consists of two islands, has a population of 140,000 and is one of only 28 countries with which Taiwan has diplomatic ties.

A military ceremony was held yesterday at 11am at the plaza of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with a 21 gun salute performed in honor of the departure of the visiting president.

Menezes, accompanied by a 10-member entourage, left Taiwan yesterday afternoon with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Hung-mao (田弘茂) seeing him off.