President Chen Shui-bian (
Berger is the first national leader of a diplomatic ally to visit Taiwan since Costa Rica switched allegiance to China earlier this month.
Addressing the welcoming ceremony held in front of the Presidential Office yesterday morning, Chen said Taiwan and Guatemala have developed a strong friendship over the past 60 years and the two countries uphold the universal values of freedom, democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law.
PHOTO: SAM YEH, AFP
Since the two countries signed a free trade agreement (FTA) on July 1 last year, Chen said bilateral trade had showed substantial growth and bilateral relations had become stronger.
During the meeting after the ceremony, Chen said he was happy to see that Berger had paid a visit to the country not long after Chen invited him to come in January when the two met at the inauguration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.
After the diplomatic setback with Costa Rica, Chen said he appreciated Berger's resistance to domestic and international pressure in visiting Taiwan as planned.
Berger said that Guatemala's support for Taiwan did not come from just him alone but from all Guatemalans.
He described ties between Taiwan and Guatemala as "optimum" and "at their peak."
Berger said that the FTA signed between the two countries was the "correct direction" for helping both economies and added that his country's exports had increased by 125 percent since the signing of the accord.
Calling Berger a "good brother" and "friend forever," Chen said their friendship went back to their stints as mayors of capital cities.
Berger said he cherished a letter from Chen after Chen lost the mayoral election, adding that he was touched by the courage and determination Chen exhibited in the letter.
As today marks Berger's wedding anniversary, Chen offered congratulations to Berger and his wife and said the occasion would be celebrated at a state dinner that will be held in Kaohsiung tonight.
Chen, who will accompany Berger on the train to Kaohsiung today, said Berger will be the first foreign leader to ride on the high-speed rail system since it became operational in January this year.
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