President Chen Shui-bian at 9:30 a.m. on August 24 Honduras time (August 24, 11:30 p.m., Taipei time) completed his visit to Honduras and headed to the next stop on his "Trip of Joint Grand Vision and Eternal Concern" -- El Salvador.
The president's chartered plane arrived at Republic of El Salvador International Airport shortly after 10:00 a.m. (August 24, midnight, Taipei time). After the president's plane came to a final stop on the tarmac, ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to El Salvador Carlos S.C. Liao and the chief of protocol from the El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs boarded the aircraft to greet President Chen. President Chen was then welcomed by El Salvador President Elias Antonio Saca, who was waiting for him on the ground. President Saca then escorted President Chen to a nearby podium.
After President Saca made brief remarks in welcoming President Chen, the ROC (Taiwan) leader expressed his appreciation in return. San Salvador Acting Mayor Patricia de Ochoa then presented President Chen with a key to the city as well as certificate making him an honorary citizen. Two children who were dressed in traditional clothing then presented President Chen with candy and handicrafts.
After a full welcome with military honors, President Chen and his entourage were accompanied by El Salvador Foreign Minister Francisco Estaban Laínez Rivas to a square in San Jacinto commemorating the nation's founding father to offer flowers.
In the afternoon, President Chen traveled to the Presidential Building to meet with President Saca. The two leaders exchanged opinions on a variety of issues of mutual concern. After the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference. President Chen made remarks, thanking President Saca for his long support for Taiwan. Over each of the past three years, President Saca has spoken on behalf of Taiwan at the United Nations. On September 26 this year, President Saca will again speak before the UN General Assembly, expressing his continued support for Taiwan's entry into the institution. President Chen said he has been deeply touched by the sentiments expressed by President Saca.
President Chen lauded President Saca for the strong economic growth, a falling unemployment rate and a reduction in foreign debt that El Salvador has experienced under his leadership. He said President Saca has made enormous contributions to alleviating poverty in his country. President Chen also stressed that President Saca and the El Salvador government have been in the forefront in defending the interests of Taiwan. El Salvador continues to make strides in economic development, the creation of jobs and cracking down on crime, and President Chen said Taiwan, as an ally of El Salvador, is willing to provide assistance to assist its friend.