President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Gambian President Yahya Jammeh signed a joint communique yesterday, reaffirming their commitment to further promoting cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders also expressed their willingness to work hand-in-hand in promoting world peace and prosperity.
In the communique, Jammeh reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan's bid to join major international organizations, including the UN and the World Health Organization.
For his part, Chen extended his gratitude for Gambia's staunch support for Taiwan's cause and reassured Jammeh of Taiwan's commitment to assist in Gambia's economic development.
Before signing the joint communique, Chen and Jammeh held talks on matters of mutual concern. This is Jammeh's fourth visit to Taiwan as president and the first time he has taken part in the Double Tenth National Day celebrations.
Chen told Jammeh that he was impressed by the dance performances by a Gambian troupe at an National Day rally Friday.
"The dazzling performances not only epitomized Gambia's cultural essence but also brought exotic fanfare to our National Day festivities," he said.
Chen further said he is aware that the Gambian Presidential Office's Web site has been linked to those of eight other countries around the world, including Taiwan's.
"The fact that our Web site comes just behind the White House's indicates the importance Gambia attaches to its ties with Taiwan, " Chen said, adding that he hopes the two countries will strengthen bilateral communications and exchanges through this channel.
As Gambia is focusing efforts on developing its agriculture, Chen said Taiwan has prepared high-quality seeds of several tropical fruit and peanut varieties for Jammeh's entourage to take back to the West African state for plantation.
"I earnestly hope that these seeds can grow well in your country to let your people get a taste of the delicious fruits endemic to Taiwan," Chen said.
Jammeh, who arrived in Taipei Wednesday in the company of some senior Gambian officials, wrapped up his four-day visit and left for home yesterday afternoon.
The Taipei Department of Health yesterday said it has launched a probe into a restaurant at Far Eastern Sogo Xinyi A13 Department Store after a customer died of suspected food poisoning. A preliminary investigation on Sunday found missing employee health status reports and unsanitary kitchen utensils at Polam Kopitiam (寶林茶室) in the department store’s basement food court, the department said. No direct relationship between the food poisoning death and the restaurant was established, as no food from the day of the incident was available for testing and no other customers had reported health complaints, it said, adding that the investigation is ongoing. Later
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