President Ma Ying-jeou, in the company of Vice President Vincent C. Siew, on the afternoon of May 22 at the Presidential Office met with Nicaragua Vice President Jamie Morales Carazo and Mrs. Morales, and Paraguay Envoy Alfonso Romero Correa and Mrs. Romero. President Ma, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), welcomed the visitors to Taiwan and thanked them for making the long journey to attend the inauguration proceedings.
During the meeting with Nicaragua Vice President Morales and Mrs. Morales, President Ma noted the long-lasting and deep friendship between the two countries. He said that for many years Nicaragua has on many occasions supported Taiwan in the international arena, which demonstrates that Nicaragua is a loyal friend and ally to Taiwan. President Ma also asked Vice President Morales to pass along his best wishes to Nicaragua President Jose Daniel Ortega Saavedra. President Ma noted that the two countries are now carrying out a number of economic cooperation projects. He hopes that relations can be strengthened further based on the existing foundation, thereby creating a win-win situation in terms of solidifying the bilateral alliance and promoting economic development.
Vice President Morales said that while Nicaragua is located at the other end of the Pacific Ocean from Taiwan, this opportunity to see the model of democracy on Taiwan with his own eyes has made the trip worthwhile. He also praised Taiwan's economic accomplishments, expressing his hope that Nicaragua can learn from Taiwan's development experience. He said he hopes the two countries can work together under a cooperative framework to achieve progress.
A short while later, President Ma met with Paraguay Secretary-General to the President Romero. President Ma said Paraguay is Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in South America. He said the people of Paraguay and Taiwan share the same characteristics of exuding warmth and having a hard-working spirit. This is the reason that the ROC (Taiwan) government and people place such importance on Taiwan-Paraguay relations. The president said he hopes that the two countries will continue to strengthen their relations and cooperation based on the existing foundation, enabling the alliance between the two to continue to flourish.
Secretary-General Romero expressed his gratitude to the government here for providing such a warm reception over the past several days. He said he is extremely honored to have the chance to personally speak with President Ma. Secretary-General Romero brought with him congratulations from Paraguay President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, and said he also hopes the alliance between the two nations will continue to strengthen.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou was present during the meetings between President Ma and Vice President Siew and Nicaragua Vice President Morales and Mrs. Morales, and Paraguay Envoy Romero and Mrs. Romero.