Taipei, Nov. 15 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Monday expressed hope for closer economic and trade relations between Taiwan and Alaska during a meeting with visiting Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski.
Chen said the Taiwan-Alaska memorandum on economic and trade cooperation signed in September was a major step forward for both sides.
Chen said Taiwan has appointed representatives of various sectors to a committee aimed at promoting the cooperation program.
He thanked the Alaska Legislature for passing resolutions in support of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly as an observer and of the signing of a free trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States.
This is Murkowski's 18th trip to Taiwan, and the third one in his capacity as governor of Alaska.