On September 7, President Chen Shui-bian received a British parliamentary delegation led by Sir Nicholas Winterton, who is also the Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwan Group. In the reception, President Chen expressed his appreciation for their longstanding support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization.
President Chen also spoke to his guests of Taiwan-Britain relations in education, tourism and trade. In education, Britain is one of the favorite countries for Taiwan students, with more than 14,000 Taiwan students studying there now. Last year, 37,000 British tourists visited Taiwan while 47,000 Taiwanese toured Britain. In addition, Britain is Taiwan's 16th largest trade partner in the world and its 3rd largest in Europe. On the other hand, Taiwan is Britain's 20th largest trade partner.
President Chen said that on the basis of these close ties, he looks forward to developing closer relations with the Britain.
Members of Parliament Mr. Ian Davidson, the Lord Kilclooney and Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister Javier Ching-shan Hou also attended the meeting.