Taipei, July 1 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on Saturday accorded visiting Panamanian President Mireya Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez full military honors in a welcoming ceremony held in downtown Taipei.
Chen noted that Moscoso is the first female president of the Central American country, and expressed hope that she will learn more about Taiwan's economic, political and social development during her visit.
Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Tang Fei, government officials and members of the foreign diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.
Moscoso's five-day state visit is the first by a foreign head of state since Chen's inauguration on May 20.
Welcoming Moscoso for her second visit of the ROC, Chen said that he hoped to exchange views with her on world affairs and issues related to the two nations.
He said that he hopes both sides can enhance their understanding and mutual trust, and further cement bilateral relations.
Chen said he is also willing to share Taiwan's development experience with Moscoso and promote bilateral investment and trade exchanges.
Moscoso for her part noted that Panama and the ROC have a long-standing friendship and cooperation relationship, and she brought the best wishes from her people to underscore the long-term engagement of the two nations.
She also said that overseas Chinese have been the most diligent group in her country, and that her trip will allow her to observe the economic and political development of the ROC as well as learning about the values Chinese place on family ethics and diligence.
Taipei Deputy Mayor Ou Chin-der presented Moscoso with the keys to the city, while government officials and members of diplomatic corps also took turns to greet her and her entourage.
Chen and Moscoso then held their first meeting at the Presidential Office.
Chen assured Moscoso that though his administration is barely two months old, there is continuity and stability in the foreign policy of the ROC, and said that the cooperation agreements between the two sides will not be affected by the changing of the administration.
Chen pointed out that the two heads of state have had similar experiences in their political careers, which should enable them to work more closely toward strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that the Panamanian president, who began her political activities at 18, suffered persecution by the government and served time in jail.
She went into an exile in the United States for nearly 10 years, and although she was defeated in the previous presidential election, was able to win overwhelmingly last year.
Chen said that he was jailed for taking part in political activities and that his wife was confined to a wheelchair following an "accident" at a political rally more than a decade ago. He failed in winning reelection as mayor of Taipei, but said his persistence enabled him to win the presidential election on March 18.
Moscoso said that although she was unable to attend Chen's inauguration, her current visit shows that Panama "will be the ROC's best friend."
Thanking the ROC for its past assistance and support, she expressed hope that the two sides will further cooperate for the benefit of the peoples of the two nations.
Chen also took the opportunity to wish Moscoso a happy birthday, which fell on Saturday, to which she replied she was "elated to celebrate her birthday in such a faraway place."
During her stay in Taiwan, Moscoso will also meet with Premier Tang Fei, Foreign Minister Tien Hung-mao and other high-ranking ROC officials for exchanges of views on matters of mutual concern.