President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday signed a joint communique with visiting president of El Salvador, Antonio Saca, which pledged to "strengthen the two countries' traditional friendship, especially in the areas of political cooperation, trade and investment."
In the communique, the two leaders reiterated their countries' determination to pursue democracy and freedom and maintain world peace.
Expressing concern over the threats terrorism poses to world peace, security and economic stability, Chen and Saca condemned all forms of violence and terrorist acts in the world.
The communique, forged at the Presidential Office, also touched on the two countries' positions on cross-strait issues.
"The differences in the Taiwan Strait should be addressed based on international principles, including respecting sovereignty, heeding the voice of the people and avoiding the use of force as a means of solving cross-strait political differences," the joint communique stated.
The leaders also reached an agreement on the exchange of volunteer workers between Taiwan and El Salvador and stated they will forge a formal agreement on this matter in San Salvador once an appropriate date is set.
Chen said that Taiwan will continue to provide technical assistance in projects related to farming, animal breeding and the environment in El Salvador.
For his part, Saca reiterated his country's support for Taiwan in its goal of joining the United Nations and other international organizations such as the World Health Organization.
Stressing the importance of investment to El Salvador's social and economic development, Saca called on Taiwanese industry, particularly the textile, electronics and telecommunications sectors to increase investment in El Salvador.
"The Salvadoran government will provide convenience and assistance to help facilitate [Taiwanese] investment," he said.
In response, Chen promised to promote investment in El Salvador among Taiwanese companies.
In return, President Chen said that Taiwan is pleased to beef up technical aid to the government of El Salvador, render economic assistance or enter economic cooperation, and continue to support various cooperative projects which have been implemented between the governments of the two countries.
Chen said Taiwan will enter cooperation projects with El Salvador's foreign ministry, agriculture and husbandry ministry, environmental and natural resources ministry, as well as the country's household and youth affairs secretariats.
Chen also promised that he will see to it that his government organizes presentations on investment in El Salvador.
Saca later bade farewell to Chen and other officials at the Presidential Office.
Saca and his team of ministers and business leaders concluded their six-day official visit to Taiwan with a military ceremony held at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
It was Saca's first visit to Taiwan since the former sportscaster and media magnate assumed the Salvadoran presidency in June this year.
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