President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen said Moscoso was the first foreign head of state to come to Taiwan since the new government's inauguration.
"The Republic of China's foreign policy will stay consistent," Chen told Moscoso, "and the cooperation agreements between the two sides will not be affected by the change in administration."
PHOTO: AP
President Moscoso had arranged a tour of Asia in May, but this was disrupted by claims that the relationship between Taiwan and Panama had been undermined.
Chen noted that Moscoso was the first female president of Panama, and said he hoped she would learn more about Taiwan's economic, political and social development during her visit.
Vice President Annette Lu (
Chen said he was willing to share with Moscoso Taiwan's experience of economic development and also promote bilateral investment and trade exchanges.
Moscoso said that Panama and the ROC had a long-standing friendship and cooperative relationship.
She said she brought with her the best wishes of the people of Panama to underscore the long-term nature of the ties between the two countries.
She said that overseas Chinese were the most diligent ethnic group in her country.
She said she would observe the economic and political development of Taiwan as well as learning about the emphases that the Chinese place on family values and piety.
Taipei Deputy Mayor Ou Chin-der (
During a first meeting at the Presidential Office, Chen pointed out that the two heads of state have had similar experiences in their political careers -- an understanding which should help them work together more closely.
He said the Panamanian president, who entered politics at the age of 18, was persecuted by the government and spent time in jail.
She went into exile in the US for nearly 10 years, and although she was defeated in the previous presidential election, was able to win overwhelmingly last year.
Chen said that he was jailed for taking part in political activities and that his wife was confined to a wheelchair following an "accident" at a political rally more than a decade ago.
He failed to get re-elected as mayor of Taipei, but said his persistence enabled him to win the presidential election on March 18.
Moscoso said that although she was unable to attend Chen's inauguration, her current visit shows that Panama "will be the ROC's best friend."
Thanking the ROC for its past assistance and support, she said that she hoped the two sides would cooperate further for the benefit of the people of the two nations.
Chen also wished Moscoso a happy birthday, to which Moscoso replied that she was "elated to celebrate her birthday for the first time in such a faraway place."
During her five-day stay in Taiwan, Moscoso will also meet with Premier Tang Fei (
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