Taipei, June 21 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu met Monday with Therese Shaheen, former chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan, who arrived Saturday for a four-day private visit.
Lu congratulated Shaheen for getting the highest honor of the Republic of China -- President Chen Shui-bian earlier presented her with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, a special honor offered by the government to foreign citizens who have contributed to its national cause, in a ceremony held at the Presidential Office.
For her part, Shaheen congratulated Lu for her re-election success and apologized for not attending the May 20 inauguration ceremony. She also wished Lu a speedy recovery from the wound she sustained in the election-eve shooting.
During the meeting, the vice president produced a photo of her and Florida Governor Jeb Bush taken at a national banquet given by El Salvador President Elias Antonio Saca earlier this month, and described a chat she had with the governor.
Shaheen noted that she is close to the Florida governor and suggested that Lu visit Florida. The vice president responded that she would like to go if Bush extends an invitation.
Lu also said that she will convene the second Democratic Pacific Assembly Aug. 14 and that she would like to have Shaheen take part in the discussion on issues related to women.
Shaheen declined the invitation due to a conflicting schedule, but said she would recommend some other U.S. figures to come instead.