President Lee Teng-hui this morning met with U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos and exchanged views with him on relations between the ROC and the U.S. and other issues of mutual concern.
During the meeting, President Lee expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Congress for its support for the Republic of China. He said that the ROC will continue along the path of democratic reform in order to lay a solid foundation for national development. "The ROC will remain in the democratic camp with the U.S. in defense of freedom and democracy", the President added.
Rep. Lantos, a long-time friend of the ROC, said that he is impressed by the great progress this country has made in democratic reform as well as economic development. He also greatly admired President Lee's outstanding leadership.
Expressing concern about the future of Hong Kong, both President Lee and Rep. Lantos hoped that Hong Kong will maintain its freedom and prosperity after the turnover.
Accompanied by ROC Vice Foreign Minister C. J. Chen and Deputy Director Christopher LaFleur of the AIT's Taipei Office, Rep. & Mrs. Lantos came 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.