President Chen Shui-bian at 9 a.m. on August 25 El Salvador time (August 25, 11 p.m., Taipei time) and El Salvador President Elias Antonio Saca jointly presided over a ceremony donating motorcycles to El Salvador's national police administration and the inauguration of a new building for traffic management.
In his remarks on the occasion, President Chen lauded President Saca for his efforts in improving social order in El Salvador. President Chen also said that in Taiwan the police are referred to as the protectors of the people. Therefore, he wants to take this opportunity to salute all members of the police force working to ensure the safety of the public. He thanked everyone for their contributions and sacrifices, saying that he is confident that all people of El Salvador will experience a nation that is safer and more peaceful in the future. President Saca then stepped to the microphone and expressed his gratitude to President Chen and Taiwan. After the remarks, both leaders jointly took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
After leaving the police administration, President Chen was escorted by President Saca to Panchimalco Town, which was about 30 minutes away. The two leaders visited the "Culture House" and the Encuentros workshop of renowned Salvadoran painter Miguel Angel Ramirez.
After stepping into the Culture House, President Chen and President Saca admired the paintings on the walls. The two leaders then took seats and enjoyed a performance of Salvadoran folk dances.
After the completion of the dance performance, the two leaders then walked over to the Encuentros workshop to see the paintings of Miguel Angel Ramirez as well as a collection of paintings made by children from Taiwan and El Salvador. The two presidents signed their names on the walls that featured the paintings by the Salvadoran children. At this point, Mr. Ramirez presented two large paintings to the leaders as gifts. President Chen then presented Mr. Ramirez and President Saca with an album that features the works of local Taiwanese painters. President Chen expressed his encouragement for the Encuentros workshop, which provides instruction to underprivileged Salvadoran children. He also provided other gifts including brushes and other items used in painting, which were accepted by representatives of the children at the workshop.
After the exchanging of gifts, President Chen and President Saca walked to a small garden up a bit from the workshop to watch Salvadoran elementary school children paint.
After leaving the studio and walking toward the intersection, staff from the Culture House then unveiled two lanterns with the flags of the ROC (Taiwan) and El Salvador painted on them to wish the best for both countries and to symbolize a friendship between the two countries that continues to strengthen.