President Chen received Japanese congressman Eto Seishiro this morning and expressed his welcome to the visitor as well as his gratitude towards the Japanese government's intention to provide visa-free privileges to Taiwanese visitors to Japan.
The president was pleased to have the opportunity to meet the congressman again, calling him Taiwan's best friend and his own best buddy. President Chen also expressed how touched he was by the support Seishiro showed Taiwan as the Japanese congressman always manages to visit Taiwan every year since 2001, even during his trips abroad or if he is taking part in bilateral or international conferences, proving himself as a true friend and supporter of Taiwan.
Arriving to Taiwan with Seishiro, professor Amakawa Yukiko of Mito Junior College was also greeted by President Chen, who pointed out that the professor has long been an advocate for Taiwan and closely cooperates with ex-president Lee Teng-hui. The president thanked her for always contributing valuable suggestions to Taiwan-Japan and U.S. relations.
The president said that the Japanese government's intention to normalize the visa-free privilege granted to Taiwanese visitors to Japan during the Aichi Exposition was not only a symbol of the friendly relations the two countries have, but also a sign of appreciation and good-will to the 23 million people of Taiwan. President Chen was truly moved.
Referring to Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi's quote, "reform is painful," and highlighting recent political events involving the privatization of Japan's postal affairs, a Koizumi sponsored initiative that has already gone through the House of Representatives and is poised to be approved by the Senate, President Chen wished his Japanese counterpart a successful reform.
Expressing his highest regard of the support Prime Minister Koizumi has shown to Taiwan on behalf of the Japanese government and its people, President Chen offered his hopes that Japan's ex-prime minister could also visit Taiwan as an old friend.
In response, Congressman Eto Seishiro expressed his gratitude to President Chen for sparing time to welcome him. Seishiro praised the president not only for his devotion to Taiwan, but also to the building of peace in Eastern Asia. The congressman also said that he would notify his colleagues of president Chen's contributions to regional peace in Eastern Asia and over the Taiwan Strait issue. Finally, Seishiro said he would earnestly attempt to secure closer relations between Taiwan and Japan, a common expectation, he believes, of both country's people.