Taipei, Dec. 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian received visiting delegates of the United States Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships (EEF) Thursday at the Presidential Office and praised the organization for its contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and peace around the world.
Chen told his guests, who were headed by EEF President Adrian Basora, that Taiwan Eisenhower fellows have invited their counterparts in other countries to tour the country every year since 1974, the year after the formation of the Eisenhower Fellows Association in the Republic of China, with the aim of promoting mutual understanding and friendship.
The association has so far invited 54 Eisenhower fellows from different countries to visit Taiwan, Chen said, adding that it especially invited delegates from its parent group to tour Taiwan this year in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
Chen wished his guests a pleasant visit.
In response, Basora told Chen that the EEF has granted more than 1,600 fellowships to prominent figures around the world since its foundation in 1953, some of whom have become world-level leaders.
The fellowship recipients have made great contributions to the promotion of progress, peace and mutual understanding around the world through their exchanges, he added.
Basora also praised Eisenhower fellows in Taiwan for their efforts to organize exchange activities with their counterparts in other parts of the world.