Costa Rican President Abel Pacheco de la Espriella yesterday praised Taiwan for its economic achievements and expressed hope that his country could learn from Taiwan's success.
"As a small country with few natural resources, Taiwan has displayed remarkable achievements in education and quality of life," Pacheco said during a visit to China Steel Corp in Kaohsiung yesterday.
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
"Taiwan, the ROC, is no doubt an example from which Costa Rica can learn," he said.
Pacheco added that he hopes Taiwan can help his country develop economically.
President Chen Shui-bian (
Accompanied by Chen, Pacheco and his wife flew to Kaohsiung on Monday afternoon aboard Taiwan's equivalent of Air Force One.
The group was greeted at the Kaohsiung International Airport by Mayor Frank Hsieh (
Chen held a state banquet for his guests at the Kaohsiung Hospitality College, where he discussed the birth of his grandson and received warm congratulations from the Costa Rican delegation.
Pacheco hailed Chen as "a love messenger" before the banquet and the Costa Rican leader was awarded the Order of Brilliant Jade in recognition of his contributions to the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Pacheco said it is easy to tell that Chen is a person who spreads love when speaking to him. He praised Chen and first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) as the "perfect grandpa and grandma," who had welcomed the birth of their first grandson earlier the same day.
Pacheco and his wife arrived in Taipei on Sunday for a six-day official visit. The main purpose of Pacheco's visit is to attend Double Ten Day celebrations.
While in Kaohsiung, Pacheco also visited the city's Economic Processing Zone.
Pacheco will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei before heading home on Friday.
Meanwhile, the governor-general of St. Christopher and Nevis, Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian, arrived in Taipei yesterday for a six-day visit.
Sebastian also plans to attend the Double Ten Day celebrations.
During his stay, Sebastian will attend a banquet hosted by Vice President Annette Lu and visit economic and cultural establishments.
He is scheduled to leave Taipei on Sunday.
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