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Chen stresses links with Central American allies

President Chen Shui-bian, second left, toasts the ambassadors of Taiwan's Central American allies at a cocktail reception in Taipei yesterday to celebrate the 181st anniversary of the Independence Day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. PHOTO: CNA

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday stressed that Taiwan will continue to provide assistance to its allies in Central America to help upgrade their overall level of development, especially in economic areas.

"Our government will contribute Taiwan's help in promoting the Central American region's economic prosperity through bilateral and multilateral regional-cooperative projects," Chen said when addressing a cocktail reception in Taipei yesterday held to celebrate the 181st anniversary of the Independence Day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras

Chen and many other senior government officials attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations and best wishes. Chen said Taiwan valued its relations with its allies in Central America highly.

Central America is a stronghold of diplomatic support for Taiwan.

"Since assuming office in May 2000," Chen said, "I have already twice led large delegations of government officials and business executives on visits to various Central American countries, where I have been impressed with the passion, kindheartedness, honesty, and diligence of all your people and the vitality and hope which fill the lands."

Chen stressed that he believed Taiwan's five allies had the potential for rapid development.

He also expressed appreciation to the allies for their support for Taiwan's bid to enter the UN and other major international organizations.

"Though Taiwan and its five allies, which are located on the other side of the globe, have many cultural differences, we have the same ideas and stance in seeking sovereignty, freedom, and democracy," Chen said.

Responding to the president's speech goodwill, a representative for the five countries assured their continued support for Taiwan in the world community.

"We believe that there is still ample room for us to enhance communications and exchanges, especially in the fields of development investment, trade, and tourism," Costa Rican Ambassador Oscar Alvarez Araya said on behalf of the five nations.

Alvarez echoed Chen is saying that the brotherly friendship between Taiwan and the countries of the Central America region is based on valuing democratic principles and seeking the welfare of their people.

He said that both sides will closely cooperate to assist 23 million Taiwanese achieve their basic human rights of becoming a member of the UN and all international organizations.

"The friendship between Taiwan and Central America is just like a bridge over the Pacific Ocean," he said.

The five countries became independent of Spain simultaneously on Sept. 15, 1821. As Sept. 15 falls on Sunday this year, their embassies in Taipei advanced their national founding day celebration to yesterday.
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