President Chen Shui-bian on May 16 bestowed the Order of the Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare in recognition of the contributions he has made over the years in fostering friendly ties between the two nations. The two leaders also held talks and signed a joint communiqué.
In remarks, Prime Minister Sogavare said that both Taiwan and the Solomon Islands are Pacific nations. The countries have had a deep kinship for a long time and both share the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights. The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan) for the long-term assistance and support provided to his nation. He also reaffirmed his country's staunch support for Taiwan to participate in the international community. Prime Minister Sogavare said he believes Taiwan is a sovereign nation and that it should not be treated unjustly by the international community. He said he believes that as long as Taiwan never gives up, it will one day reach its goal of playing a role in the world community. He also said he will continue to work to deepen the friendship between the two countries based on the existing strong foundation.
During discussions between the two leaders, President Chen first expressed his warmest welcome and gratitude to Prime Minister Sogavare on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan). He said that he is honored to bestow the ROC's top honor on the prime minister, saying that it symbolizes Prime Minister Sogavare's long-term efforts and contributions in strengthening the alliance between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands as well as promoting substantive and friendly ties between the two countries.
The president pointed out that this is Prime Minister Sogavare's third visit to Taiwan, as he previously visited Taiwan in 2000 and 2006. He thanked the prime minister for personally attending the first Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in September of last year, helping to make the meeting a success. The Palau Declaration signed at the summit called for cooperation in the areas of health and medical care, alternative energy and environment protection, economic partnerships, and agriculture and fishing. Initiatives in all of these areas are beginning to be carried out. The president also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Sogavare making remarks in support of Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly last September. In April of this year, he also sent a letter to World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan expressing his strong support for Taiwan's application to enter the organization. On May 14, at the World Health Assembly, the Solomon Islands voted in favor of having Taiwan join the institution. President Chen furthermore said that even though Taiwan was not successful in its first application to enter the WHO under the name "Taiwan," it has attracted the attention and discussion of the world community. He said that this is an excellent first step. In September of this year, Taiwan will apply to enter the United Nations under the name "Taiwan." He said he hopes the Solomon Islands will continue to support the nation's efforts in this regard.
President Chen once again expressed his deepest concerns about the earthquake in the South Pacific in April that triggered a tsunami and caused the loss of life in the Solomon Islands. He said Taiwan immediately provided assistance and donations in the spirit of humanitarianism. The president added that under the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare, the country has seen highly efficient reconstruction efforts and aid has been provided to those affected by the disaster. He said that this has helped the Solomon Islands return to normalcy in a short period of time.