President Chen Shui-bian received Honduran Parliament Speaker Porfirio Lobo Sosa and his wife this morning and extended his welcome to them on behalf of the Republic of China's government and people.
The president said that since he met with Lobo in December 2002 for the first time, he was happy that they could meet again in such a short time. The president praised Lobo's contributions to his country since joining public service more than three years ago, winning the love of the people and the support from the political party he belonged to and President Ricardio Maduro Joest for his plan to run in the next presidency.
The president also requested Lobo to pass his gratitude and salutations to President Maduro on behalf of the Taiwan government and people.
The president said that Maduro has long been supportive of Taiwan and spoke for Taiwan on the international stage for its sovereignty and dignity. They met at the funeral service of Pope John Paul II in April this year and took the same flight back transiting in Taipei. The president said that Maduro promised to make another trip to Taipei before his term is over. Taiwan not only welcomes this visit, but also hopes that this promise can soon be fulfilled.
The president also hopes that they could meet again at the Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Republic of China and Central America that will be held in September at Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, so that they could further exchange views on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
In addition to expressing his gratitude to the Taiwan government and the hospitality provided by its people, Lobo said that his trip to Taiwan is a trip of learning. He hopes to understand more about Taiwan's economic development as reference for his country.