Taipei, April 12 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Tuesday extended an invitation to Guatemalan President Oscar Berger to visit Taiwan in August.
Chen made the invitation while receiving new Guatemalan Ambassador Ricardo Putzeys Uriguen, who presented his credentials to Chen the same day.
Chen invited Berger to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) in August. The DPU, initiated by Vice President Annette Lu, aims to promote democracy, peace and prosperity among Pacific nations.
Expressing his welcome to Putzeys to Taiwan, Chen noted that the Republic of China and Guatemala have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 70 years. "The cordial ties between the two countries rely on their shared values in liberty, democracy and human rights, " Chen said, adding that although the two nations are geographically far apart, the hearts of their people are closely linked as they have common expectations in many aspects, such as maintaining regional peace and stability.
The president expressed gratitude to Berger for his long-term support to Taiwan's bid to join international organizations, especially the World Trade Organization (WTO) . Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, making it the 144th member.
Expressing Taiwan's hope to contribute to the world community, Chen said the island is now working hard to enter the World Health Organization (WHO), and still needs the support from Guatemala.
While hailing Berger's brilliant leadership in governing Guatemala, Chen also made known the ROC government's hope to make contributions to the Central American country's infrastructure, such as highway construction projects.