Taipei, July 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian promised Friday that he would visit Africa at least twice during his
Speaking at "Africa Day" celebrations jointly held by the African diplomatic missions to Taipei to mark the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity, which is the forerunner of the African Union, the president said he was impressed with his two previous visits to the country's allies in Africa during his first term.
Recalling the warm welcome he received at the time and the work Taiwan's medical and technical teams have done in Africa, Chen said it shows the geographic distance between Taiwan and Africa cannot deter the friendship between them.
Another proof of closer ties between Taiwan and Africa is the fact that five out of Taiwan's seven allies in Africa had their heads of state attend Chen's second inauguration on May 20 and the number of African students studying in Taiwan will increase from 13 to 40 in September.
The president promised to keep improving the country's ties with its African allies and urged them to continue their support for Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization.