Taipei, Sept. 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday he is grateful for Solomon Islands firm support for Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations and the World Health Assembly -- the World Health Organization's governing body.
Chen made the remarks while meeting with Solomon Island Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Snyder Rini and a parliamentary delegation from the South Pacific island nation.
Chen said relations between Taiwan and Solomon Islands have been close and cordial since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1983.
Chen said Taiwan has assisted in Solomon Islands agricultural and fishery development and infrastructure construction. With Taiwan scholarships, nine students from Solomon Islands are now studying either at graduate institutes or universities in Taiwan. Chen invited the Pacific Island nation to take part in an international travel fair to be held in Taipei in November to attract more Taiwan tourists.