Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Nov. 19 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday he is pleased with the successful change in the official designation of the Taiwan chapter of Kiwanis International.

Chen made the remarks while meeting with Kiwanis International President Case Van Kleef at the Presidential Office.

Chen said the Kiwanis Taiwan chapter has contributed a great deal to the local community and charitable services over the years. During the Kiwanis International general conference held this June, Kiwanis Taiwan received a citation as one of the most outstanding district Kiwanis chapters.

In compliance with the Kiwanis International's 2004 theme of promoting children's welfare, Chen said the Kiwanis Taiwan chapter has set up a children's welfare fund to help improve welfare services for children from impoverished families.

Kleef is currently in Taipei to inspect progress in preparations for the Kiwanis International's 2006 Asia-Pacific conference to be held in Taiwan.

Chen told Kleef that his administration will give necessary assistance to the Taiwan Kiwanis chapter in organizing the conference.