President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of May 22 and in the company of Vice President Vincent C. Siew met with Dominican Republic Director of the Center for Export and Investment Eddy Martinez Manzueta, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua and Mrs. Sikua, and Guatemala Vice President Rafael Espada.
President Ma, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), thanked the guests for traveling considerable distances to attend the inauguration ceremonies for him and Vice President Siew. He also expressed his hopes that frequent contacts between the countries will lead to enhanced bilateral relations.
President Ma told Dominican Republic Minister Martinez that he has learned that Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez has been re-elected. He said he hopes to have an opportunity as soon as possible to call President Fernandez and personally express his congratulations.
Minister Martinez thanked President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also extended congratulations to President Ma on behalf of President Fernandez. Minister Martinez said he is confident the election of President Ma symbolizes the maturity of Taiwan's democracy and is highly significant in the Asian region. He said the Dominican Republic is proud to be a diplomatic ally of the ROC (Taiwan). He furthermore said that President Fernandez both respects and admires the democratic and economic achievements of Taiwan. He has on many occasions expressed his hopes that the Dominican Republic can achieve a level of economic development in the Caribbean as Taiwan has in Asia. Minister Martinez said that President Ma has selected Francisco H. L. Ou, who has a deep understanding of Latin American affairs, as his Minister of Foreign Affairs. This signifies the importance that Taiwan places on its allies in the region, he said. Minister Martinez added that he looks forward to a further strengthening of ties between the two countries under President Ma's outstanding leadership.
President Ma responded by saying that Minister of Foreign Affairs Ou is an outstanding and senior diplomat, adding that this is the first time in 18 years that an ambassador has been selected to serve as foreign affairs minister. Indeed, this indicates the importance he places on Taiwan's diplomatic allies and Latin America, President Ma said. The president added that the ROC (Taiwan) will send a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for President Fernandez in August.
During his meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sikua, President Ma said that the two countries have maintained strong relations for many years. President Ma said that many meaningful cooperation projects that were initiated in the past will continue to be carried out, adding that if necessary, some projects can be expanded.
The president said that July 7 of this year marks the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Solomon Islands, as well as the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Ma said he intends to send a high-level delegation to the Solomon Islands at that time to participate in the festivities there. He also expressed his hopes that bilateral relations can continue to expand and develop based on the existing foundation.
Prime Minister Sikua reiterated his congratulations to President Ma and Vice President Siew. He also praised Taiwan's democratic achievements and thanked Taiwan for the assistance it has provided to his nation in the areas of health, education and agriculture. He expressed his hopes that cooperative relations will continue to develop between the two countries, adding that the Solomon Islands will continue to speak on behalf of Taiwan in the international community.
A short while later, President Ma met with Guatemala Vice President Espada. President Ma praised Vice President Espada as a renowned cardiologist. He has helped many people and is an extremely kind person, treating patients as if they were family. The president noted that Vice President Espada has an excellent reputation in Guatemala, and that he and Vice President Siew are honored that Vice President Espada has led a delegation to Taiwan to take part in the inauguration. Vice President Espada received his medical diploma in Guatemala, but has also pursued advanced studies in France and the United States. He is a political figure with a professional background and also enjoys strong public support, President Ma said. The president added that the ROC (Taiwan) and Guatemala have an important diplomatic alliance that dates back over 60 years. He hopes in the future the two nations can continue to share their experiences and strengthen their alliance.