On November 29th, President Chen Shui-bian met with President Reijiro Hattori of the Interchange Association of Japan (IAJ) and members of his visiting group. In addition to discussing issues relating to various exchanges between Taiwan and Japan with his guests, President expressed his deepest thanks to IAJ for its longstanding dedication and contributions to enhancing the economic and trade relations between the two nations.
President Chen expressed his high recognition for the Taiwan-Japan Economic and Trade Conference organized by IAJ and Taiwan's East Asia Relations Commission. It has not only served as the best communication platform for the two governments since its inception in 1976, but also achieved great results in facilitating economic and trade exchanges and business cooperation between the two nations, added President Chen.
According to President Chen, the Taiwan-Japan trade reached US$60.4 billion in 2005, with Japan enjoying a surplus of US$31.4 billion. In addition, there are currently 492 flights between Taiwan and Japan daily, and the number of visits between the two countries amounted to 2.4 million in 2005. All these suggested the close relations and strong economic ties between the two countries, he added.
In the end, President Chen stressed that the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait not only serves Taiwan's national interest, but also concerns the common interests of Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan. "The three countries can be the best allies and security partners based on common interest," he added. "Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the other two countries, a quasi-military alliance can be established to promote constructive exchanges in the future."