Taipei, Oct. 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that two-way ties between Taiwan and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe have become increasingly substantive, now that regular exchanges are being held between the two countries.
Chen made the remarks during a meeting with a parliamentarian delegation from the West African diplomatic ally, led by speaker Dionisio Tome Dias.
According to Chen, a delegation led by Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) Vice Chairman Chang Jing-sen has made an inspection trip to Sao Tome and has already begun drawing up concrete plans to help Sao Tome better develop its economy.
He added that a Taiwan medical group has also been set up to help fight malaria and has already made some initial improvements to the lives of the people there.
The president also thanked Dias for the warm reception accorded to him by the Sao Tome government and people during a visit he made to that country last year.
For his part, Dias praised Taiwan's natural landscape and the diligence of its people. As two friendly partners, Taiwan and Sao Tome have much in common, he said.