President Chen Shui-bian (
Presidential Office Secretary-General Yu Shyi-kun delivered invitations on behalf of Chen yesterday to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Su Tseng-chang (
Yu also delivered an invitation to People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
PFP Deputy Secretary-General Liao Chang-sung (
Yu yesterday declined to say when will he deliver the invitation to Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Yu said that invitations were issued because Chen believes that expanding Taiwan's diplomatic space should be carried out collectively by all Taiwanese people.
Strengthening the nation's diplomatic ties with friendly countries has been a tough task, officials said.
The Presidential Office said Chen will leave next Tuesday on the trip to five diplomatic allies in Central America and the Caribbean.
A key mission of the trip is to attend the Fifth Summit of the Republic of China (ROC) and Central America, which is being held in Nicaragua.
Chen's other stops will be in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Yu said the trip aims to strengthen friendship between Taiwan and its allies, send regards to overseas Taiwanese and raise Taiwan's international profile.
Yu said such trips are very important for Taiwan in the face of China's interference in its foreign affairs.
Chen will make transit stops in Miami, Florida, on his way to Central America and in San Francisco on the way back to Taipei.
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