On November 21st, President Chen Shui-bian met with former Prime Minister Mori Yoshiro of Japan, expressing welcome and appreciation to him. The former premier was here to officiate at the opening of the Taipei Exhibition of Ishikawa Crafts and Craftsmanship, in which several Japanese national treasures brought by him will also be on display.
President Chen stated that he, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, will bestow upon the former Prime Minister the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on November 24. This is to recognize him for his staunch support for Taiwan and his excellent contributions to the friendship between Taiwan and Japan.
President Chen said that last time they met with each other was on December 25th 2003, right before Taiwan's highly competitive presidential election, and at that time PM Mori's visit gave him great encouragement and confidence. Being undergoing a difficult time, the President said he was very touched by the warmth and concern Mori showed this time.
President Chen added that Mori's last visit has helped enhance the friendship and relationship between Taiwan and Japan to a state that is the best in thirty years. For example, in 2004, Japan and the United States voted in support of Taiwan to become an observer in the WHA. And in 2005, the Taiwan issue was included for the first time as one of the common strategic goals in the two-plus-two meeting of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee. Last September, the Japanese government and legislature agreed to grant passengers from Taiwan visa-free treatment, helping result in record-breaking numbers of tourists between Taiwan and Japan. Moreover, the bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded US$60 billion last year, the highest ever.
All of these achievements have come as a result of the efforts of many, but the major merits should go to the former premier, the President said.