President Chen Shui-bian on August 31 met with Slovenian Democratic Party Vice-President and Member of the European Parliament Mihael Brejc, as well as Slovenia Minister of Public Administration Gregor Virant. President Chen expressed a warm welcome and gratitude to the two visitors on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) government and people.
The president said that Slovenia previously expressed support in the European Union for Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organization. He hopes that when Slovenia becomes the chair of the EU in the first half of next year, it will continue to speak on behalf of Taiwan and promote Taiwan's entry into international organizations. The president also said he hopes that Slovenia will continue to take the stance of maintaining an arms embargo on China by the EU.
In speaking of the friendly and cooperative bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Slovenia, the president said trade between the two nations last year hit US$71.7 million. Taiwan is Slovenia's sixth largest trading partner in Asia and its 42nd largest trading partner in the world. President Chen hopes the two countries will further strengthen their bilateral trading relationship.
President Chen said he admires how Slovenia used the means of public referendum to decide the nation's future. He added that the 23 million people of Taiwan also are seeking to solidify the development of democracy here, and seek to share in the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights. Presently 77% of the Taiwan public advocates applying for entrance into the United Nations under the name "Taiwan," the president said. He stressed that this is the mainstream voice of Taiwan public opinion. While passage of the referendum does not guarantee that Taiwan will be able to enter the UN, at least there is a need to let the world hear the voice of the Taiwan people, he said.
Vice-President Brejc said that the Republic of Slovenia previously used the means of public referendum to decide the nation's future course. As a result, he said he understands the challenges presently facing Taiwan. While the pursuit of democracy and freedom take much time and effort, he said he still hopes Taiwan will be able to exhibit the mainstream values of its people. He pledged to do his utmost in helping Taiwan participate in international organizations.
Vice-President Brejc and Public Administration Minister Virant were accompanied to the Presidential Building by Foreign Affairs Minister James C.F. Huang to meet President Chen. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chen Chi-mai.