President Chen Shui-bian on March 26 met with David Adeang, the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister as well as the Finance Minister of the Republic of Nauru. President Chen expressed his welcome and gratitude to Minister Adeang, who is visiting Taiwan with his wife, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Chen noted that Nauru President Ludwig Scotty and his wife visited Taiwan last month, while Parliament Speaker Valdon Dowiyogo visited Taiwan just last week. He said that this visit by Minister Adeang further highlights the frequent contacts between high ranking officials of each country and also the friendly relationship between Taiwan and Nauru.
President Chen said that last year he was the first president of the ROC (Taiwan) to visit Nauru. At that time, he was informed by the Nauru government of its intention to formally establish an embassy in Taipei. Earlier this month on March 7, Ambassador Ludwig D. Keke presented his credentials to President Chen and became the first ambassador from Nauru to the ROC (Taiwan). On March 27, the embassy will formally open and hold a gala reception to mark the event. President Chen welcomed these developments and expressed his congratulations.
The president also indicated his gratitude on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) government and people for Nauru's staunch support of Taiwan in the international arena. He said that President Scotty and Minister Adeang have spoken in favor of Taiwan's participation in the international community, whether it be entry into the United Nations, the World Health Organization or even the Pacific Islands Forum.
President Chen noted that since May 2005 when the two countries resumed foreign diplomatic relations, a number of trade and economic cooperation projects have been carried out. He said he is quite pleased that these projects are being executed in a timely manner, including the establishment of Our Airline, the repair of the mooring system at Nauru's harbor, as well as the construction of schools, roads and bridges. Taiwan has sent a mobile medical mission to provide free clinics in Nauru and has also helped Nauru to improve its digital infrastructure, the president said. President Chen said he hopes the two countries will continue to strengthen their friendly relations based on the existing strong foundation.
Minister Adeang and his wife were accompanied to the Presidential Building in the afternoon by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President, Chen Chi-mai.