President Lee Teng-hui this morning meets with Dr. Gunther Winkler, First President of the Vienna-based Institute of Chinese Culture, and extends a warm welcome to him.
President Lee tells his guest that the Republic of China hopes to strengthen relations with European nations, not only in terms of bilateral trade but also through increased cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
President Lee also thanks Dr. Winkler for his longstanding support for the ROC and his significant contributions in promoting ROC-Austria exchanges.
During their talks, Dr. Winkler congratulates President Lee on his victory in the ROC's first popular presidential election last March and praises the ROC for her achievements in political democratization under his leadership.
Dr. Winkler, who is on a two-week visit to Taipei, is accompanied by ROC Vice Foreign Minister Francisco H.L. Ou to the Office of the President for the meeting. Dr. Ding Mou-shih, secretary-general of the ROC National Security Council, and Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President, are also present.