On December 13th, President Chen Shui-bian met with and expressed sincere welcome to a French delegation led by Chairman Christian Bataille of the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group from the French National Assembly.
President Chen expressed his gratitude to the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group for its concern and staunch support for Taiwan. Thanks to its efforts and contributions, the substantial relations between the two countries have been advanced, the President said, citing the example that the two-way trade amounted to US$4 billion in 2005, with France enjoying a surplus of US$1.06 billion. He expressed his hope that the bilateral relationship can be further strengthened based on the existing foundations.
President Chen also took the opportunity to express admiration and appreciation to France for selling Lafayette warships and Mirage 2000 jet fighters to Taiwan to enhance its national defense. On the other hand, President Chen expressed his concern over the EU's intention to lift its arms embargo against China, saying that the removal of arms embargo would be nothing different from encouraging a non-democratic China to use force against a democratic Taiwan, thereby posing a great threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking to his guests of Taiwan's efforts to participate in the WHO and other international organizations, President Chen said Taiwan is willing to make significant contributions to the international community. "The 23 million people of Taiwan should not be isolated, nor should their voice be ignored," he stressed. He expressed his hope that the French government and assembly can pay attention and lend their support to Taiwan's cause.
Concluding the meeting, President Chen said he looked forward to continued support of the Group, and he believes that the friendship between the two countries will be as firm as ever.