President and Madame Lee Teng-hui tonight hosted a state banquet at the Taipei Guest House in honor of visiting King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho of the Kingdom of Tonga. Vice President and Premier Lien Chan and other ranking officials were also invited.
Speaking at the banquet, President Lee hailed King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV as an outstanding and visionary statesman in the South Pacific area , citing that Tonga's political and economic inflastructure have improved greatly recently under the King's leadership. The President also said that he feels very pleased to meet the King again for exchanging views on matters of mutual concern and for reaffirming the close relationship between the two countries.
President Lee pointed out that the Republic of China and the Kingdom of Tonga share the common ideals of maintaining international justice and world peace. The King's visit will contribute to better mutual understanding and further consolidate the bilateral ties, noted President Lee .
In return, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who is on his eighth visit to the ROC since 1977, extended his appreciation for the warm reception the ROC government has rendered to them during their stay here, and expressed gratitude for the assistance the ROC government has given to his country over the years. He also reassured President Lee that Tonga will continue to support the ROC in the international community, adding that he believed cooperation between the two countries will be further enhanced.