President Chen Shui-bian on March 20 met with the Parliament Speaker of the Republic of Nauru, Valdon Dowiyogo. The two exchanged opinions on international trends and issues of mutual concern to Taiwan and Nauru. President Chen expressed a warm welcome and gratitude to Speaker Dowiyogo on behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Chen said that he was the first president from Taiwan to visit Nauru when he led a delegation to that nation in September of last year. He was invited to speak before the Parliament during his trip. The content of President Chen's address was entered into the parliamentary log, marking a new page in the history of relations between the two countries.
The president said that Taiwan and Nauru have long been allies and have maintained diplomatic relations. While formal ties were severed at one point, the two countries were able to resume formal diplomatic ties in May 2005. President Chen thanked Speaker Dowiyogo for his efforts to seek the speedy resumption of ties between the two nations after he was elected speaker in 2004. Nauru President Ludwig Scotty has visited Taiwan three times since the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries, indicating the importance he places on the friendship between Taiwan and Nauru, the president said. President Chen furthermore said that Speaker Dowiyogo's visit to Taiwan marks another new milestone in the diplomatic history between the two nations. The president noted that Taiwan-Nauru relations were further strengthened recently when Nauru Ambassador to Taiwan Ludwig D. Keke presented his credentials and took his position on March 7. In addition, Nauru will establish an embassy in Taiwan for the first time at the end of this month. The president congratulated Nauru on this event.
President Chen specially indicated his appreciation for Nauru's support of Taiwan in international circles. He said that the Nauru government and people have provided enormous support for Taiwan in its attempts to participate in international organizations. The president noted that Nauru President Scotty spoke on behalf of Taiwan at the United Nations and Nauru's health minister made remarks supporting Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. In addition, Speaker Dowiyogo voiced his support for Taiwan at the second United Nations World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments held in New York City in 2005. All of these efforts were highly appreciated by the 23 million people of Taiwan, he said.
President Chen said economic cooperation projects between the two countries are bearing many positive results. For instance, Taiwan has assisted Nauru in setting up an airline company and has helped repair the mooring system at Nauru's port. Taiwan has also provided assistance in erecting schools and building roads. Meanwhile, a mobile medical mission from Taiwan held free clinics in Nauru. Achievements have also been seen in the areas of farming and fishing, thanks to cooperative projects between the two nations. Taiwan is also lending help to Nauru to improve its digital infrastructure. The president said he is pleased by the efforts made by Taiwan.
Deputy Secretary-General to the President, Chen Chi-mai, was in attendance when Speaker Dowiyogo met with President Chen at the Presidential Building in the morning.