Taipei, June 11 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that he hopes to visit Paraguay soon and sign a free trade agreement with the South American country.
Chen revealed his intention in a telephone call to Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, in which he expressed gratitude to Duarte for his attendance at Chen's second inauguration on May 20.
According to a news release from the Presidential Office, President Duarte said he was moved by the hospitality that the Republic of China offered to him during his Taipei trip.
Duarte stressed that the friendship between the ROC and Paraguay is based on the same ideals and it will never be affected by "economic manipulation" of Beijing authorities, refuting as untrue some news reports that member countries of the South Common Market (MERCOSUR) in South America have been lobbied by Beijing to pressure Paraguay, a MERCOSUR member, to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, as this trade block hopes to sign a free trade agreement with China.
Chen noted that China has been using economic affairs to undermine ROC-Paraguayan ties; however, Duarte's firm support of the ROC moved him greatly, which also reflects the cordial relations between the two countries.
Duarte also expressed hope that President Chen can visit Paraguay soon to conclude a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Chen told Duarte that he has instructed related agencies to promote the signing of a free trade agreement with Paraguay, the only diplomatic ally of the ROC in South America.
Earlier in the day, Chen also telephoned Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso and thanked her for coming to his inauguration.
After telephoning Moscoso and Duarte, Chen completed his telephone thanks to all 15 foreign heads of states who visited Taiwan for his inauguration.