Taipei, May 24 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian and visiting Paraguay President Nicanor Duarte signed a joint communique Monday, reaffirming their commitments to further promoting bilateral relations.
In the communique, President Chen said the existing bilateral cooperative projects will be continued and that the two sides should jointly work out feasible measures to expand cooperation in various fields in the future.
For his part, Duarte reaffirmed his country's support for the Republic of China's bid to join the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other major international organizations.
Both leaders also confirmed that a bilateral economic cooperation conference will be held in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion in July to further boost trade and economic exchanges.
After signing the joint communique, Chen said he hopes the two countries can sign a free trade agreement within a year to facilitate bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Chen and Duarte also exchanged views on matters of mutual concern, including the general world situation, regional developments and measures to further boost bilateral and multilateral cooperation.