Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Friday expressed gratitude to Pope John Paul II for receiving the ROC's first lady, Wu Shu-chen, on her recent Europe tour, and invited him to visit Taiwan, which Chen said is the wish of many people on the island.

Chen extended the invitation during a meeting with Ambrose Madhta, the charge d'affaires of the Embassy of the Holy See in Taipei, who also transmitted Chen a letter of regards from the Pope.

In the letter, the Pope expressed thanks to President Chen for the support of his call to help reconstruct Iraq and for the long-term support extended to him from the Taiwan people.

President Chen noted that the Republic of China government and the Vatican have long shared the same ideals -- the respect of human rights, mercy and the pursuit of peace.

Not only the ROC government, many charity organizations in Taiwan are ready to help with the reconstruction work in Iraq, Chen said, adding that these philanthropic groups have also fulfilled the spirit of mercy promoted by the Pope.

Expressing his gratitude to the long-term support from the Holy See to ROC's bid to enter international organizations, Chen added that most Taiwan people hope the Pope can visit Taiwan some day.