Aristide wraps up visit by signing a joint communique

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) signed a joint communique with Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide yesterday on the final day of his state visit.

During the signing ceremony Aristide said that the government and the people of his country support Taiwan's efforts to join international organizations.

Both men said that they are satisfied with the solid friendship between the two countries since 1956 and that they have decided to expand bilateral cooperation.

They also agreed to regularly consult with each other on possible assistance, promote bilateral investments and trade cooperation projects.

The two leaders agreed in the joint communique to step up exchanges and cooperation in agriculture, industry, environmental protection, human resource training, culture and sports.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Office, with government officials and Aristide's 40-member entourage looking on.

Chen noted that the Haiti delegation met with business leaders on Friday and he believed that more business opportunities would be the result.

Aristide thanked Chen for the hospitality he had received and expressed the hope that he will see Chen in Haiti. The Haitian government and people will warmly welcome Premier Yu Shyi-kun, who is scheduled to visit Haiti in August, Aristide said.

Aristide also said that when he visited Chichi (集集) Junior High School and the Chichi Train Station in Nantou County, which was devastated in the 921 earthquake, he was moved by the reconstruction efforts of the people.

He expressed the hope that the two countries can continue to cooperate in every way and that his country will find relief from its poverty and backwardness through such assistance.

During his five-day visit, Aristide held two rounds of talks with Chen and met with Yu and other senior officials. He also visited industrial, agricultural and cultural institutions, including an experimental farm and a vocational training center.