Honiara, Solomon Islands, Jan. 29 (CNA) World peace and prosperity should be based on freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and pluralism, Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Saturday.
Addressing a state banquet hosted by Governor General of the Solomon Islands Nathaniel Waena in his honor, Chen said that the ROC is willing to share its experience in democratization and economic development with the Solomon Islands and to play an active and constructive role in the South Pacific nation's development.
Chen said that he is proud to be the first ROC president to visit the Solomon Islands, adding that his visit marks the beginning of a new era in the development of ties between the two countries.
The ROC-Solomon Islands relationship is based on the principles of equality, reciprocity, mutual respect, freedom and peace, for which the two nations have established a lasting friendship, Chen noted.
In response, Waena praised the ROC's achievements in economic and political development.
He said that Taiwan has every right to join international organizations and that the Solomon Islands will continue to support Taiwan's bids.
He also thanked Chen for the assistance the ROC has extended to the Solomon Islands and expressed the hope that the bilateral ties will be further strengthened.
Chen arrived in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, earlier in the day for a three-day state visit.
Chen was warmly greeted at the airport by Waena, Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza and other top officials of the South Pacific nation.
The Solomon Islands is the final leg of Chen's official visit to two ROC diplomatic allies in the South Pacific region which has also taken him to Palau.
He is scheduled to return to Taipei Jan. 31.