President Chen Shui-bian received this afternoon Mr. Bright Msaka, Chief Secretary of the Office of The President and Cabinet of the Republic of Malawi. The President expressed his sincere welcome to his visit to Taiwan on behalf of the government and people of the Republic Of China (Taiwan).
President Chen praised Mr. Msaka for his excellent education and career background and experiences, saying that Msaka's past positions as High Commissioner of Malawi to Canada and High Commissioner of Malawi to Great Britain and concurrent ambassador to five other countries have won him the appreciation and recognition of President Bingu wa Mutharika and that Mr. Msaka is definitely the best cabinet chief staff.
President Chen continued by saying that President Bingu wa Mutharika led a group to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) early this year. President Chen himself chatted with President Bingu wa Mutharika on the phone in June. These two events indicate that they are like brothers. Besides, at the United Nations General Assembly held on September 19th this year, President Bingu wa Mutharika spoke up and supported the Republic of China's (Taiwan) participation in international organizations. President Chen expressed his greatest appreciation and gratefulness to President Bingu wa Mutharika on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
President Chen pointed out that the commencement ceremony of the construction of Coin Chemical's fertilizer plant in Malawi was held on July 25th this year. It is expected that the construction of the pharmaceutical plant, PVC piping plant and the paint plant would follow before the end of the year. These construction projects have contributed significantly to the economic developments and the increase of job opportunities in Malawi. President Chen was heartened by this development. Meanwhile, a ceremony was held on July 27th for the laying of the foundation of the new Congress Building that the R.O.C. (Taiwan) has funded. With supervision from both countries, President Chen hoped that this smybol of the Malawi people's highest representation body will be completed and officially open for use on schedule.
Chief Secretary Msaka said that he thought Taiwan was a far-away country before he boarded the plane. But now he thought that Malawi was a far-away country instead. This was because all the hospitality and friendship that he received here made him feel at home. More importantly, he brought to President Chen a message and sincere greetings from President Bingu wa Mutharika, a friend that admires and respects President Chen, and his reassurance that the relations between the two nations remain solid.
Chief Secretary Msaka also said that Malawi has always believed that international organizations such as the United Nations should be neutral and should not hold any prejudice against Taiwan. Moreover, the recent developments in the international community strengthened Malawi's belief that Taiwan should become a member of international organizations.
Chief Secretary Msaka thanked Taiwan for all the support that Taiwan provided to Malawi. As the meeting here was proceeding, it was 11 AM in Malawi, the time when President Bingu wa Mutharika was hosting an inauguration ceremony for the construction of roads that were funded by Taiwan.
President Chen expressed his concern over the famine in Malawi. He said that the R.O.C. government had responded to President Bingu wa Mutharika's call for help and donated US$300,000 as earthquake relief. He hoped that the famine could be resolved as soon as possible.
Chief Secretary Msaka was accompanied by Mr. Thengo Maloya, Malawi's ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), in his visit to President Chen at the Office of the President.