Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presided over a grand welcoming ceremony Thursday for Salvadoran President Francisco Guillermo Flores Perez, who arrived in Taipei Wednesday for a four-day state visit.
Flores was accorded full military honors, complete with a 21-gun salute, in the ceremony held at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex near the Presidential Office.
In his welcoming remarks, Chen said the Republic of China highly treasures its 60-plus-year friendship with El Salvador. Chen, who took office in Taiwan's first democratic transfer of power between different political parties in May, also stressed the continuity of ROC foreign policy.
Chen said the ROC government will honor all bilateral promises and obligations under treaties and agreements with El Salvador. "We'll also continue upgrading relations and cooperation with El Salvador based on current foundations," he added.
Chen also expressed his gratitude for the Salvadoran government and people's longtime support and assistance for the ROC's bids to join international activities and organizations, including the United Nations.
For his part, Flores said El Salvador appreciates the ROC's assistance in its economic and agricultural development over past decades. "We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in various fields in the future," he added.