President Lee Teng-hui this morning met with H.E. Ablasse Ouedraogo, minister of foreign relations of Burkina Faso, and his delegation, and extended a warm welcome to them.
President Lee told his guests that the Republic of China attaches great importance to her friendship with African nations and is willing to share her experiences in economic development with them so as to enhance the welfare of their people.
The President also expressed his hope that the ROC and Burkina Faso further cement their relations by strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanges, thus benefiting both peoples.
For his part, Minister Ouedraogo thanked the ROC government for its kind assistance to Burkina Faso in the past years. He also reiterated that his country will support the ROC's efforts at participating in the United Nations and other international organizations.
During the meeting, Minister Ouedraogo presented President Lee with a letter from President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso, in which President Compaore invited President Lee to visit the West African country. President Lee gladly accepted the invitation, saying that he will make a visit to Burkina Faso at an opportune time.
Other members of the Burkina Faso delegation included Mrs. Ouedraoga, Agriculture Minister Michel Koutaba, and Water Affairs Delegate Minister Soma Baro. They were accompanied by ROC Foreign Minister John Chang to the Office of the President for the meeting. Also present were Dr. Ding Mou-shih, secretary-general of the ROC National Security Council, and Mr. Stephen S.F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President.