President Chen Shui-bian accompanied his guest, President Anote Tong of the Republic of Kiribati, to visit the Tzu Chi Foundation in Hualien County on May 23. The two presidents praised Tzu Chi for its unselfish devotion to the needy in the world.
Citing Tzu Chi's worldwide humanitarian work, President Chen told his guest that although Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan sent a message to the Tzu Chi Foundation, a non-governmental organization recognized by the UN, to congratulate it on its 40th anniversary. He then added that, like all the Tuz Chi members in every corner of the world, he felt proud and honored.
As President Chen himself took up voluntary work on May 20 by cleaning a beach in northern Taiwan, he therefore encouraged everyone in Taiwan to learn from Tzu Chi and be a life-long volunteer.
After the visit to the Tzu Chi Foundation, the two presidents then toured the well-known Taroko Gorge, whose natural attractions impressed the state guest.