Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian and visiting El Salvadoran President Francisco Guillermo Flores Perez signed a joint communiqué Monday, reaffirming their commitment to further boosting cooperative relations between the two countries.
Flores arrived in Taipei last week to attend a summit meeting of heads of state of the Republic of China and its diplomatic allies in Central America and the Caribbean and Belize.
In the joint communiqué, the two presidents expressed their satisfaction with the steady progress in ROC-El Salvador relations and reiterated their determination to promote bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and other fields.
The two heads of state further said they are delighted to see the signing of a cooperative accord between El Salvador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taipei-based China External Trade Development Council on the promotion of bilateral trade, investment and technology transfer.
The communiqué was signed at the Presidential Office, with senior ROC officials and members of Flores' entourage witnessing.
Before signing the communiqué, Chen and Flores held talks on a range of issues of mutual concern, including the global campaign against terrorism, cooperation in maintaining world peace, freedom and democracy, as well as human rights' protection.
Flores expressed his gratitude for Taiwan's long-term assistance in El Salvador's national development.
For his part, Chen said he hopes Flores will continue to speak for Taiwan's cause in the international arena, particularly its bid to join the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
During his visit, Flores visited the Taroko National Park in eastern Taiwan and the Buddhist Compassionate Relief Tzu Chi Foundation -- Taiwan's largest charity -- in Hualien. He also watched a performance of the Cloud Gate Dance Theater, a world-class dance ensemble founded by respected Taiwan choreographer Lin Hui-ming.
Flores said he was impressed by Taiwan's advancement in nature conservation, religious and cultural development and charitable services.
Chen said he believes Flores' visit will help cement relations and expand cooperation between Taiwan and El Salvador.