Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his appreciation Wednesday for the Republic of China's relations with Honduras and thanked the Central American ally for its support in the international arena.

Receiving Honduran Vice President Jose Alberto Diaz at the Presidential Office, Chen said that the ROC and Honduras have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 60 years.

The two nations also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in January to further increase exchanges and friendship based on the existing foundation, Chen noted. "The long-term friendship between the ROC and Honduras is based on a common belief shared by the two countries in the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace," Chen stressed.

Diaz is in Taiwan to attend on behalf of Honduran President Ricardo Maduro 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.