ROC President Lee Teng-hui and President Imata Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands bestowed honors on each other today, symbolizing the long-standing relations between the two countries and the sincere friendship between their peoples.
The decoration ceremony took place at the Presidential Office at 7 o'clock this evening. Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Kabua, ROC Vice President and Mrs. Lien Chan, Huang Kun-huei, Secretary-General to the ROC President, and the visiting delegation from the Republic of the Marshall Islands were also present.
On behalf of the ROC government and people, President Lee decorated President Kabua with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon, the ROC's highest honor. He also conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon the Marshall Islands' Foreign Minister Philip Muller, Finance Minister Tony deBrum, Health and Environment Minister Tom D. Kijiner, and Vice Speaker of Congress Jurelang Zedkaia, for their remarkable contributions to enhancing the cooperation and friendship between the two countries. In return, President Kabua conferred the Traditional Chief's Decoration on President Lee to show his highest respect. He also bestowed the same on ROC Premier Vincent Siew, Foreign Minister Jason Hu, and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Tzu-dan, for their contributions to strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
After the ceremony, both Presidents said that the decoration they received is not only a personal honor, but also represents the cordial friendship between their two countries. They said they hope that based on the existing solid foundation, the two countries will join hands to pursue national development and improve the well-being of their peoples.
Prior to the ceremony, President Lee met with President Kabua at the Presidential Office to exchange views on current international situations, regional issues and other matters of common concern. The visiting President also expressed his concern for President Lee's recovery from the influenza. President Lee thanked his guest for the concern, and said that he has recovered from the flu and is in good condition now.