Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian bestowed Monday the Order of Brilliant Star With Special Grand Cordon upon Central American Parliament Speaker Augusto Vela Mena in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting ties between the Republic of China and the countries of Central America.
The ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Office, was witnessed by Vice Foreign Affairs Minister Francisco Hwang, Deputy Secretary-General to the President Joseph Wu and various members of Vela's entourage.
Chen welcomed the Central American parliamentarians to Taiwan and thanked them for a resolution they adopted to support Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Chen also voiced his appreciation for various recent activities held jointly by the Republic of China and its diplomatic allies in Central America, as well as for Vela's second visit to the country.
The Pacific, rather than being a barrier, serves as a bridge linking the two sides as they move toward their shared aspiration for democracy, peace and freedom, the president said.
In response, Vela said he was deeply touched to receive the honor, which represents praise of peace and democracy long advocated by the Central American Parliament and by democratic Caribbean countries. Vela promised to devote more energy to helping strengthen two-way relations between the ROC and Central America.
Vela also expressed great admiration for Chen's long-term efforts to promote Taiwan's freedom and democratization and said he strongly believes that a wider range of cooperation between the two sides lies ahead, as the Legislative Yuan enjoys observer status at the Central American Parliament.