President Lee Teng-hui this morning received credentials presented by H.E. Ceferino Adrian Valdez Peralta, the Republic of Paraguay's new ambassador to the Republic of China.
Accompanied by Director John Feng of the ROC Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department and officials from Paraguayan embassy in this country, Ambassador Valdez came to the Office of the President to present his credentials. Dr. Huang Kun-huei, secretary-general to the President, and ROC Foreign Minister John Chang were also present.
After the presentation, President Lee extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Valdez and asked the latter to convey to Paraguayan President Juan Carlos Wasmosy his greetings and his congratulations on Paraguay's National Day which falls on May 15.
President Lee, while stressing the importance of the long-term ROC-Paraguay friendship, noted that the ROC government appreciates Paraguay's firm support for this country in the international community. President Lee, who visited Paraguay as vice president several years ago, also said that he has a special feeling toward Paraguay and is very supportive of Paraguay's economic reforms.
Ambassdor Valdez firstly thanked President Lee for the audience. He also extended Paraguayan President Wasmosy's best-wish to President Lee and quoted President Wasmosy as saying that Asuncion is willing to help Taipei enter the Southern Common Market. Feeling very proud of being appointed as ambassador to the ROC, he assured President Lee that he will do his utmost to promote cooperation and exchanges between the two countries during his tenure of office.