President Chen Shui-bian on August 21 departed on a journey that will take him on state visits to Taiwan's Central American diplomatic allies of Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. He will also attend the Sixth Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Republic of China, Central America and the Dominican Republic, which will be held in the capital of Honduras. The president made brief remarks at the airport before setting out on the trip, which is labeled "The Trip of Joint Grand Vision and Eternal Concern"
President Chen said that the upcoming summit, which is held every two years, not only marks the culmination of diplomatic work, but also is the first such summit since the severance of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and the ROC (Taiwan). He said it is vital for him to personally attend the meeting and to do his utmost to solidify the diplomatic alliances with Taiwan's friends in the region.
The president said this trip will stress eternal friendship between Taiwan and its allies. The key topics to be discussed at the summit meeting will include environmental protection and energy. He said it is hoped that bilateral cooperative relationships will help pave the way to realize joint prosperity. Furthermore, Taiwan is presently in the process of completing the negotiation and signing of free trade agreements with Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. As these pacts have been finalized, Central America will serve as a new stepping stone for Taiwan to enter the global market. The related business opportunities will be plentiful and Taiwan should take advantage of this, he said.
President Chen said that Taiwan will continue to communicate and coordinate with the United States regarding the holding of a referendum here to gauge public opinion on applying to enter the United Nations under the name "Taiwan." He said he does not hope that various issues are brought to the fore that might complicate his transit stop in the United States or muddle the focus of the issue. The president expressed his appreciation to the United States government for providing arrangements so his plane can stop and refuel. He added that Taiwan and the United States are true friends and he is confident that an even freer, more democratic Taiwan is in the best interests of both sides.