President Lee Teng-hui and Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodriguez reiterated in Taipei today that based on the existing good relations, the Republic of China and the Republic of Costa Rica will continue to cooperate with and help each other, in order to enhance the common well-being of their two peoples.
President Lee said that Costa Rica is a beautiful country and its people love peace, freedom and democracy, and that it is one of the wealthiest and most prosperous countries in Latin America and provides universal education. He and his wife led a delegation to visit Costa Rica in 1994, and even today he can recall vividly the landscape, cultural heritage and simple and warm custom of that country, the President said.
President Lee noted that President Rodriguez is an accomplished, experienced and devoted leader. With his wisdom and unwavering determination, President Rodriguez has actively promoted constitutional democracy and strengthened infrastructural development of Costa Rica since his assumption of presidency 10 months ago. He has effectively increased his country's productivity and enhanced the well-being of his people. This has brought him wide popularity in Costa Rica and international affirmation, an admirable accomplishment, President Lee said.
He pointed out that during the 58 years since the ROC set up a legation in Costa Rica in 1941, despite drastic changes in world situation, the relationship and cooperation between the two countries have grown increasingly stronger and their friendship ever closer. Costa Rica has consistently upheld justice and extended staunch support to the ROC in the international community, testifying that this precious friendship can withstand the trial of the time and remain as firm as ever, President Lee said.
On behalf of the government and people of the ROC, President Lee extended his sincerest appreciation to President Rodriguez and the Costa Rican government and people. He also expressed his hope that based on the existing good relations, the ROC and Costa Rica will continue to cooperate with and help each other, in order to enhance the common well-being of their two peoples.
In his remarks, besides thanking President and Mrs. Lee and the ROC government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to his delegation, President Rodriguez voiced his gratitude for all the assistance the ROC has provided to the Costa Rican government and people.
President Rodriguez said that this is his third visit to the ROC, and that on each visit he has been deeply impressed by the ROC's progress and development. In particular, the ROC has been only slightly affected by the Asian financial crisis at a time when the crisis has resulted in a global economic downturn, an accomplishment that can serve as a model for other developing countries, he added. His country is willing to cooperate with the ROC to strengthen their bilateral relations and raise the well-being of their two peoples, the Costa Rican President said.
After their speeches, the two Presidents invited all the guests to join them in a toast to the continued prosperity of the two countries and their ever-lasting friendship.