President Chen Shui-bian on January 25 met with Former President of the Republic of El Salvador Francisco Guillermo Flores Perez and his wife, extending his welcome to them in attending the preparatory conference of the Global Forum on New Democracies.
During their meeting, President Chen noted that this is the seventh visit to Taiwan by Former President Flores, who first led a delegation to Taiwan in December 2000. In August 2003, he again visited Taiwan to attend the Fourth Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Republic of China, Central America and the Dominican Republic. After President Chen won another term in office in 2004, Former President Flores attended the presidential inauguration ceremonies on May 20. President Chen said that he was touched by Former President Flores's willingness to travel such a long distance to extend his congratulations despite having only 11 days remaining in his own term when he visited Taiwan. In 2005, Former President Flores was invited to Taiwan in his capacity as chairman of the Instituto America Libre to attend the World Forum for Democratization in Asia.
President Chen noted that he led a delegation to the Republic of El Salvador in 2001 and attended the Third Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Republic of China, Central America and the Dominican Republic. At the time, Former President Flores expressed his concern about the rise of the leftists in his country, who sought to take advantage of their popularity to win the presidency. However, the public recognized the outstanding administrative achievements of Former President Flores, enabling his party to remain in power.
President Chen said that the increasing power of leftist parties in Latin America in recent years has attracted the attention of the international community. He said he is sure that Former President Flores has special insight into the issue. President Chen also extended a warm welcome on behalf of his wife Wu Shu-jen to Former President Flores's wife.
Former President Flores expressed his pleasure of being invited to Taiwan again. He said that El Salvador faced many natural disasters during his administration and he is extremely grateful to the assistance and relief provided by the Taiwan government. He also said that as El Salvador has emerged from an authoritarian government to pursue democracy, he and the people of El Salvador understand how democracy must be cherished. El Salvador will continue to fully support democracy and peace, and will always be a friend to Taiwan, he said.
Former President Flores and his wife were accompanied by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Hou to the Presidential Building to meet with President Chen. Presidential Secretary-General Mark Chen was also in attendance.