Joint Communiqué between His Excellency Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and His Excellency Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati
His Excellency Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid a two-day state visit to the Republic of Kiribati from the third to the fourth of May 2005, at the invitation of His Excellency Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati.
During his stay, President Chen exchanged views with President Tong on current world affairs and matters of mutual concern in a cordial and congenial atmosphere. Both leaders agreed that all countries should resolve regional or international disputes through peaceful means according to the principles of sovereignty, democracy and equality. They also expressed great satisfaction with the cordial ties and cooperation between the two countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term friendship and the furtherance of bilateral relations through mutual consultation and cooperation.
President Tong extended, on behalf of the Government and people of Kiribati, a very warm welcome to President Chen and his delegation. President Tong stated that President Chen's historic visit served as a milestone, signifying the warm and close relations between the two countries. He also acknowledged with gratitude the continued support and generous assistance rendered by the people and Government of Taiwan to the development of Kiribati.
President Chen was deeply impressed with the remarkable achievements of the Republic of Kiribati in the areas of good governance, economic development and the promotion of democracy, freedom and human rights. He assured President Tong that Taiwan would continue to support Kiribati's endeavors in sustainable development.
Both leaders also agreed that in this globalized world, all countries should participate in world affairs on an equal basis. President Tong offered his affirmation that Kiribati would continue to appeal to the international community in adopting an all-inclusive manner that would allow all countries, able and willing, to participate fully and equally in international collaborative efforts. President Chen conveyed his appreciation for the continued support that Kiribati has rendered to Taiwan in the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations.
President Chen expressed his sincere gratitude to President Tong and the Kiribati Government for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. He extended a cordial invitation to President Tong to visit Taiwan again, and President Tong accepted the invitation with honor. The date of the visit will be discussed through diplomatic channels.
This communiqué has been executed in duplicate in Chinese and English, both texts being equally authentic, at Tarawa on the third day of the fifth month of the year two thousand and five, corresponding to the third day of the fifth month of the ninety-fourth year of the Republic of China (Taiwan).