Taiwan yesterday congratulated East Timorese independence hero Xanana Gusmao for his victory in the terrritory's first presidential election on Sunday and offered its assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release lauded the election as a "successful showcase for democracy."
"Taiwan is willing to join the international community to assist the East Timorese to overcome difficulties in rebuilding their homeland, and to cooperate with East Timor to foster regional stability and prosperity," the statement said.
The ministry added that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has sent Gusmao a telegram expressing congratulations.
A DPP legislator said last December that the ministry had already approved an aid package for East Timor.
It is unlikely that Taipei could lure East Timor to become its new diplomatic ally in the short-run, however, given the UN's role in the territory as well as China's status as member of the UN Security Council, said a ministry official added.
RSS