On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China, President Lee Teng-hui accorded, this afternoon, a red-carpet welcome with full military honors to visiting President and Mrs. Miguel Trovoada of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and their delegation.
The brief but grand ceremony took place at the Art and Cultural Square of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial in Taipei. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of national anthems of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of China, President Trovoada, accompanied by President Lee, reviewed the honor guards. Subsequently, the two Presidents each delivered a speech. To show respect and on behalf of the citizens of the Taipei City, Deputy Mayor Lin Chia-chen presented President Trovoada with a Key to Taipei. Among those present at the occasion were Vice President and Mrs. Lien Chan, presidents of the five Yuans, and members of the diplomatic corps to the ROC.
In his speech, President Lee first extended his welcome to visiting President and Mrs. Trovoada and senior government officials of Sao Tome and Principe. He said that the ROC government and people have looked forward to the visit by President Trovoada since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on May 6 last year.
President Lee said that President Trovoada is renowned for his inspiring leadership. Since he assumed presidency in 1991, President Trovoada has been dedicated to improving the life and well-being of his people, and to promoting constitutional democracy, national construction and foreign relations. Under his leadership, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe has made remarkable progress in various fields within a brief period of time, an achievement for which President Trovoada has received popular support from his people and affirmation by the international community. President Lee noted his great admiration for President Trovoada's accomplishments.
President Lee said that President Trovoada and his delegation have traveled a long distance to visit the ROC. He will exchange views with the visiting president on current international situation and matters of mutual concern. President Lee expressed his hope that through the scheduled tour, President Trovoada and his delegation would better understand the ROC's development in different areas. He said he believes that the visit by President Trovoada will help strengthen the cooperation between the two countries and thereby lay a solid foundation for enhancing mutual friendship and relations.
In his address, President Trovoada said that he felt honored and privileged to step on ROC soil for the very first time, and expressed his appreciation for the sincere invitation and warm hospitality extended by the ROC government.
He said that his visit was aimed at consolidating friendship and expanding cooperation between the two countries, in order to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples.
President Trovoada remarked that the abundant experience of the Republic of China in developing despite hardship is something his country should learn from, especially at a time when the economy of Sao Tome and Principe is at its initial stage of development. What he learned from this visit will help restructure his country's economy, and his visit will bring yet another propelling force to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, he added.
In conclusion, President Trovoada stated that the Republic of China and Sao Tome and Principe are both island states with limited area. Based on the shared principles of peace, freedom and justice, they will be able to jointly create a bright future through their friendship and unity.