President Chen Shui-bian met with Dan Burton, a member of the United States House of Representatives, and Mrs. Burton on August 29 at the Office of the President.
President Chen first extended to his guests his warmest welcome on behalf of Taiwan and its 23 million citizens, saying that Representative Burton, who has visited Taiwan eight times, supports Taiwan actively.
He recalled to Representative Burton their attendance at the inauguration of President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica last May. He also appreciated Burton's hospitality extended to him during his stopover in Miami last September when hurricane Rita hit the city.
As Mrs. Burton was born in Lebanon, the president expressed to his guests his concern over the Israel-Lebanon conflict, saying that peace is what is eagerly expected as the resolution of the conflict and of the Taiwan Strait disputes as well. Therefore, he said to his guests that he is determined to defend the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
Mr. and Mrs. Burton's visit to the Office of the President was accompanied by Taiwan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou. Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Shyh-fang was also present in the meeting.