The Presidents of the Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe reiterated firmly today in Taipei that based on mutual trust and reciprocity, the two countries will join forces to promote the well-being of their peoples.
President and Mrs. Lee Teng-hui hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Building tonight in honor of visiting President and Mrs. Trovoada of Sao Tome and Principe and their delegation. Vice President and Mrs. Lien Chan, other senior ROC government officials and members of the diplomatic corps to the ROC also attended the occasion.
Before the banquet, the two heads of state met at the Presidential Office and profoundly exchanged views on current international situation and matters of mutual concern.
Following the conversation, President Lee decorated President Trovoada with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon, in commendation of the conferee's outstanding contribution to promoting the friendship and cooperation between Sao Tome and Principe and the ROC.
After receiving the honor, President Trovoada remarked that the decoration is not only a highest honor for himself, but also symbolizes the close friendship and cooperation between Sao Tome and Principe and the ROC. He stressed that with the shared commitment to freedom and democracy, the two governments will work to enhance their cooperation and the friendship between their peoples will become closer.
During the banquet, President Lee extended again, on behalf of the ROC government and people, the warmest and sincerest welcome to President and Mrs. Trovoada and other members of their delegation.
President Lee stated that the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of China are both island countries with similar characteristics. Both countries depend heavily on foreign relations and their citizens' diligence and unity for national survival and development. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in May of last year, the two countries have continuously and smoothly initiated various cooperation projects and their relationship has grown even closer, he said. The visit by President Trovoada carries great significance, as it lays a solid foundation for the friendship between the two countries, President Lee maintained.
President Lee reiterated that the Republic of China is most willing to fulfill its obligations as an ally by sharing its successful development experience over the years with Sao Tome and Principe and by collaborating with that nation to strengthen mutual cooperation, in order to contribute to the national construction and development of Sao Tome and Principe. He said he believes that based on mutual trust and reciprocity, the two countries will work together to promote the well-being of their two peoples.
The ROC President stated that under the inspiring leadership of President Trovoada, Sao Tome and Principe in recent years has enjoyed democracy and social harmony, and has made remarkable progress in various fields. As its political and economic accomplishments have won worldwide affirmation, the ROC wishes to play a more active role in the international community and to share with its allies the experience and results of its national development, he said. President Lee also expressed his deep respect and sincere appreciation for the support that the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe have rendered to the ROC in the international community, and voiced his hope that Sao Tome and Principe will continue to support the ROC*s efforts to participate in international activities.
In his remarks, President Trovoada thanked President Lee and the ROC government again for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to his delegation, and expressed his sincere gratitude for the assistance the ROC has provided to the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe.
President Trovoada said that since 1990, multiparty democracy has replaced one-party dictatorship as the political system in Sao Tome and Principe. He noted that national economy and social development play a very important role in implementing democracy, social equality and justice. Sao Tome and Principe wishes to establish friendly and close relations with the ROC and to enhance mutual cooperation, in order to promote the medium and long-term development of his country, President Trovoada added.
After their remarks, the two Presidents invited all the guests to join them in a toast to the continued prosperity of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of China and to the ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.