President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday morning met with Frederik Willem De Klerk, Former President of South Africa, welcoming him to Taiwan as he prepares to take part in the preparatory conference of the "Global Forum on New Democracies."
President Chen noted that Former President De Klerk was invited to Taiwan in June 2006 to deliver speeches as part of the "Shih Ming-teh Lectures." At the time, he had the opportunity to have lunch with the former president. President Chen said that Former President De Klerk has visited Taiwan six times, adding that he is delighted that three of these visits have come while President Chen has been in office.
President Chen expressed his respect and praise for Former President De Klerk, noting that the former leader of South Africa has served as a model for him. He said the former president took many steps during his years as a political leader that others would not. The president said that when Former President De Klerk was elected as leader of the National Party in 1989, he proclaimed in his first speech his determination to end racial segregation in his nation and his desire to promote political negotiation. After he was elected as president at the end of 1989, he made good on his promise and visited Nelson Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress, who was still in prison at the time. In 1990, he recognized the legal status of the ANC and other political parties, and had Mr. Mandela released from jail. These were crucial steps in initiating negotiations among the ruling and opposition parties. In 1991, a bill to abolish the apartheid system was passed, followed by the formal passage of a new constitution in 1993. In 1994, he graciously served as President Mandela's deputy, helping to pave the way for constitutional democracy. President Chen expressed his admiration of Former President De Klerk for his magnanimity to serve as a deputy to the leader of a rival party.
The president furthermore said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law on Taiwan. Over the past two decades, Former President De Klerk has served as National Party leader and the president of South Africa, has promoted democratic reform and political reconciliation and was instrumental in abolishing apartheid. As both Taiwan and South Africa have become emerging democracies over this period, President Chen said he has no doubt that there is much to learn from South Africa and Former President De Klerk.
Former President De Klerk said he was extremely moved by President Chen's understanding of South Africa's history, adding that both nations have had many similar experiences in their democratic development. He added that Taiwan has made important contributions over the years in South Africa's democratization. He also said that he is willing to make a contribution to strengthening substantive relations between the two countries.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chang Siao-yue accompanied Former President De Klerk to the Presidential Building to meet with President Chen. Also on hand was Presidential Secretary-General Mark Chen.