Leading a special delegation on a visit to four of Taiwan's allies in Africa, President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen's China Airlines A-340 flight departed Taiwan late Sunday night and flew to Africa, with a one-hour refueling stop in the United Arab Emirates. The chartered plane landed at Dakar's international airport yesterday af-ter a flight of more than 21 hours.
Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade personally welcomed Chen at the airport. The two leaders then inspected a detachment of Senegalese troops and an honor guard, which gave a 21-gun salute.
Thousands of Senegalese lined the road from the airport to the Meridien President hotel, singing and dancing to welcome Chen. Chen is staying at the Meridien President hotel during his visit.
Many in the crowds wore shirts with Chen's portrait printed on the front.
During the first meeting between the two heads of state after the welcoming ceremony, Wade expressed appreciation for Taiwan's contributions to Senegal.
"All the people of the country realize what Taiwan has done for our country," Wade was quoted as saying by Joseph Wu (
Wade also had praise for Taiwanese officials working in Senegal, who often work in the field instead of hiding in offices all day. He said Taiwan's embassy in Senegal and the agricultural teams working there were very effective.
Wu said Chen had also been in touch with government officials and others back home via satellite phone three times so far during his trip, talking with Vice President Annette Lu (
"The communication between President Chen and [officials back home] has been smooth, which is helping the president to conduct the business of running the country without any obstruction," Wu said.
This is Chen's third international tour since taking office in 2000.
Chen is scheduled to leave Senegal for Sao Tome and Principe tomorrow. He will fly to Malawi on Friday and then to Swaziland on Sunday.
Before he left Taiwan on Sunday, Chen said the purpose of his trip was "to let the international community know that Taiwan sincerely wants to help African nations resolve their medical and food problems.
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