President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) expressed concern and sympathy for the people of Japan yesterday after the country was hit by a strong typhoon and a series of earthquakes in the past week.
Chen extended his regards on behalf of the Taiwanese government and people while meeting with Hisaoki Kamei, a member of the lower house of the Japanese Diet.
Typhoon Tokage pounded much of Japan Oct. 20, leaving at least 66 dead and 22 missing; and a magnitude 6.8 earthquake and a series of aftershocks shook Niigata Prefecture over the week-end, resulting in 25 deaths and over 2,200 injuries.
Chen took advantage of his meeting with Kamei to express his condolences to the families who have lost members to the disasters or have had to seek shelter.
Both Taiwan and Japan are located in earthquake-prone areas and face the threat of typhoons, Chen said, adding that he hopes the two countries can cooperate in research on natural disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction technologies.
Touching on bilateral rela-tions, Chen said he looks forward to seeing Taiwanese tourists enjoy visa-free treatment by Japan starting from next year.
In the face of China's strong attraction of foreign investment, Chen said Taiwan and Japan should sign a free-trade agreement as early as possible to prevent a regional trade imbalance.
Chen said he is convinced a Taiwan-Japan free trade agreement would benefit both sides and contribute to the free flow of capital, goods and information as well as help regional economic prosperity.
Chen also expressed his gratitude for Kamei's long-term efforts in promoting friendship and substantive relations between Tai-wan and Japan.
Kamei, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, founded a pro-Taiwan association in Shimane prefecture four years ago to promote commercial and cultural exchanges. He is heading a large delegation of association members on a goodwill visit to Taiwan.
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