At the invitation of His Excellency Maatia Toafa, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, His Excellency Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid a state visit to Tuvalu on May 4, 2005.
During his stay, President Chen exchanged views with Prime Minister Toafa on current world affairs and matters of mutual concern in a cordial and congenial atmosphere. Both leaders expressed their solemn objection to the adoption, in defiance to the concern of the international community, of the so-called "Anti-Separation Law" by the People's Republic of China on March 14, which disregarded Taiwan's sovereignty, unilaterally changed the status quo and increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait. They also agreed that all countries, based on the principles of sovereignty and equality, should resolve regional or international disputes through peaceful means.
The two leaders also discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to the two countries. They expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation during the past twenty-six years and agreed to commit themselves to fostering long-term friendship and consolidating diplomatic relations between their respective countries. Based on the aforesaid commitment, both countries will continue to solidify and deepen bilateral ties through mutual consultation and cooperation.
President Chen was deeply impressed with the remarkable achievements of Tuvalu in the areas of economic development, environmental protection, agricultural development and promotion of democracy and freedom. Before his departure from Tuvalu, President Chen expressed his sincere gratitude to Governor General Rev. Filoimea Telito, Prime Minister Maatia Toafa, and the Tuvalu Government for the warm welcome and genuine hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. President Chen also conveyed his sincerest appreciation for the continued support that the Tuvalu Government has rendered to Taiwan in the United Nations and other international organizations.
President Chen invited Governor General Telito and Prime Minister Toafa to visit Taiwan. Prime Minister Toafa and his delegation are scheduled to pay a state visit to Taiwan from the 21st to the 28th of May, and he expressed his great pleasure and anticipation to meet with President Chen again in Taiwan.
Done in Funafuti, Tuvalu, on the fourth day of the fifth month of the year two thousand and five, corresponding to the fourth day of the fifth month of the ninety-fourth year of the Republic of China (Taiwan).