President Chen Shui-bian (
The two heads of state also held their first round of meetings at the Presidential Office and Chen thanked the Caribbean nation for its lasting support for Taiwan in international organizations.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Expressing satisfaction that the bilateral ties are close and firm because of their common aspirations for human rights, democracy and freedom, Chen told Aristide that Taiwan deeply appreciates Haiti's backing for its participation in the UN, the WTO and the WHO.
Chen also noted that Premier Yu Shyi-kun is slated to visit Haiti next month and added that he himself also wishes to visit the country in the near future.
Aristide said Haiti hopes to increase its exchanges in education and transportation with Taiwan based on the existing friendly ties.
Chen presided over the welcoming ceremony held at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial for the Haitian leader. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the national anthems of the two countries, Chen and Aristide inspected a military honor guard.
During the ceremony, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Aristide, accompanied by a 40-member entourage, arrived in Taipei on Tuesday for his first visit to Taiwan since his re-election in 2000.
Chen said that on behalf of the government and people, he is elated to welcome Aristide. He lauded the Haitian leader as an outstanding statesman.
Noting that Aristide first visited Taiwan in 1992, Chen said that this visit will enable the Haitian president to compare Taiwan now and Taiwan a decade ago and thereby provide Chen with a valuable reference in striving for his own country's development.
Chen said that he would take the opportunity of Aristide's visit to exchange views with him on matters of mutual concern. He also said he hopes that Aristide and his entourage will come to understand more about Taiwan's current political, economic, social and cultural situations through the visit.
Later yesterday, Aristide and his entourage went to visit Chichi Junior High School and the Chichi Train Station in Nantou County, both of which were devastated by the 921 earthquake.
Accompanied by Chen, they then visited the Lukang Folk Arts Museum in Changhwa County, central Taiwan.
Chen also hosted a state banquet in honor of Aristide and his entourage at the Li-de Cultural and Educational Recreational Center in Lukang.
During his five-day state visit, Aristide will hold another round of talks with Chen and will meet with Yu and other senior officials to discuss ways of promoting bilateral cooperation.
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