Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Sunday the Republic of China looks forward to expanding petroleum exploration cooperation with Chad.
Chen made the remarks while holding talks with visiting Chadian President Idriss Deby at the Presidential Office.
Chad formally became an oil exporting country in October 2003 and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan on cooperation in oil exploration and petrochemical development.
Chen said he is hopeful that Deby can assist in furthering Taiwan-Chadian cooperation in petroleum exploration.
Deby arrived in Taipei earlier in the day for a three-day state visit. This is his third visit to Taiwan since assuming the Chadian presidency.
Before their meeting at the Presidential Office, Chen presided over a welcoming ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex in downtown Taipei in honor of Deby. The Chadian leader was accorded full military honors in the ceremony, including a 21-gun salute.
Addressing the ceremony, Chen said that Sunday happened to be Freedom Day in Taiwan. Deby's arrival on Freedom Day symbolizes that the cordial relationship between Taiwan and Chad is based on their shared values in freedom and democracy.
Chen also lauded Deby for his contributions to helping resolve armed conflicts in the Darfur region in Sudan to promote stability in Africa.
During his current visit, Deby will travel to Kaoshiung to visit a marine base and Chinese Petroleum Corp.'s refinery in southern Taiwan. He will also visit major cultural and economic institutions in northern Taiwan and meet with local business and industry leaders.
Relations between Taiwan and Chad have been cordial since the two countries resumed full diplomatic ties in 1997. President Chen headed a large entourage to visit the central African ally in August 2000.
Deby has on many occasions spoken out in support of Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other major international organizations.