Taipei, Sept. 26 (CNA) Republic of China Shui-bian described Tuesday former Philippine President Fidel Ramos as "the most important bridge" in relations between the two countries.
During a meeting in Taipei, Ramos and Chen also applauded the accord which ROC and Philippine signed earlier in the day to resume direct air links that had been severed since last September.
Chen said that Ramos has made tremendous contributions in promoting substantive bilateral relations and added that ROC-Philippine ties reached their peak during Ramos' term as president from 1992 to 1998.
Ramos also helped establish the annual economic and trade conference between the two countries, which are now in their seventh year, Chen noted.
For his part, Ramos said that ties between ROC and the Philippines will be further strengthened in many aspects with the signing of the air accord, and he said he will continue to assist the Philippine government in improving bilateral relations, with the help of a development fund over which he presides.
Ramos also expressed his gratitude to the ROC people and government for their hospitality, even though his current visit is private in nature.