President Chen Shui-bian on July 4 had a telephone conversation with Nicaragua President Jose Daniel Ortega Saavedra. President Chen, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed his best wishes to President Ortega. Meanwhile, President Ortega not only reiterated his firm support of the diplomatic alliance between the two countries, but also said that he will personally attend the Sixth Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the ROC (Taiwan), Central America and the Dominican Republic that will be held in Honduras in August.
During their conversation, President Ortega mentioned that earlier in the day he received the ROC's new ambassador to Nicaragua, Wu Chin-mu, and accepted his credentials. He also reiterated to the media his staunch support of Taiwan and his determination to further solidify the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Nicaragua.
President Chen expressed his gratitude to President Ortega for his good intentions and said that Nicaragua's decision to take the initiative in publicly stating its commitment to a strong alliance with Taiwan is highly appreciated, especially in the wake of the recent decision by Costa Rica to abandon its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
President Ortega also stressed that he will personally attend the summit meeting that will be held in August in Honduras and looks forward to meeting with President Chen. He also mentioned the long-term assistance and support offered by the ROC (Taiwan) government to the Nicaraguan government and people, especially in providing technical assistance to assist in his nation's agricultural development, has left a deep impression on the Nicaraguan people. He said the concern and passion of the ROC (Taiwan) government and people toward Nicaragua has enabled the people of his nation to realize that Taiwan is the best friend of Nicaragua. As such, he will do his utmost to support Taiwan.
President Chen said he welcomes the decision by President Ortega to participate in next month's summit in Honduras and said he is confident that President Ortega's attendance will make the gathering all the more colorful. President Chen also recalled that in September 2005 the Fifth Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the ROC (Taiwan), Central America and the Dominican Republic, which was held in Managua, was a resounding success. He said he hopes that the heads of state of the countries attending this year's summit will explore more avenues for cooperation in the pursuit of wellbeing for the people of these nations.