Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his satisfaction Wednesday with the relations between the Republic of China and Nicaragua and hoped that the two nations will sign soon a free trade agreement.
In a meeting with visiting Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolanos at the Presidential Office, Chen said that bilateral exchanges and cooperation between the ROC and Nicaragua have been increased remarkably since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in 1990.
Bolanos has visited Taiwan four times since 2000 in his capacity as vice president, a presidential candidate and as president of the republic, Chen noted, adding that it represents the close relationship between the two nations.
Chen expressed the hope that ROC-Nicaragua relations will be further strengthened under the Bolanos administration.
He also thanked Nicaragua for the support it has extended to Taiwan in the international arena, particularly in Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations and the World Health Organization, and urged Bolanos to voice support for Taiwan in the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in September.
Bolanos is in Taiwan to attend the fourth summit of the heads of states and governments of the ROC, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Belize to be held in Taipei Thursday.