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Taiwan activist praises Gambia's president Jammeh

Chairman of the Taiwan New Century Foundation and director of the Taiwan United Nations Alliance Chen Lung-chu (陳隆志) yesterday called Gambian President Yahya Jammeh a firm and unflinching friend of Taiwan.

Jammeh, when meeting visiting Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) on Friday, reaffirmed his country's friendship with Taiwan and promised to help Taiwan make its voice heard in the international community.

Although countries that are small in size are not powerful, they must unite to secure their autonomy, Jammeh added.

Chen, in his never-tiring quest for Taiwan's entry to the UN under the title of Taiwan, said Jammeh has on several occasions referred to Taiwan as the Republic of Taiwan at international events, including the UN's General Assembly.

Commenting on international interference from China, Chen Lung-chu said that Su's visit was made possible by Jammeh's firm support for Taiwan.

The premier had planned visits to Haiti and Chad in May and August, respectively, but these had to be canceled due to incessant pressure from China.

Fortunately Su was able to realize his plans this time, making this visit as President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) envoy to attend the inauguration of Jammeh's third five-year term.

Commenting on the fact that Jammeh won re-election by obtaining 67 percent of the vote, Chen said it was not easy to win such strong public support, adding that the people of Gambia were lucky.

Jammeh has visited Taiwan on six occasions. Four of those visits have taken place during his presidential term.

He has a warm relationship with President Chen, who once said that he and Jammeh "are the best of friends and close as brothers."

Jammeh was the first head of state to visit Taiwan in the 21st Century, while Chen was the first Taiwanese and Asian head of state to visit Gambia when he traveled there in 2000.

Despite the geographical distance between the two countries, Chen and Jammeh correspond frequently with each other as is exemplified by Jammeh's quick letter showing his concern for Taiwan after the damage brought by Typhoon Toraji in 2001.

Additional reporting by CNA
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