President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of July 4 at the Presidential Office met with former President of Peru Alejandro Toledo and Mrs. Toledo. President Ma extended a warm welcome to the guests on behalf of the government and 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Ma said that former President Toledo taught in the United States for many years and is a noted economist. During his term as President of Peru, he used his expertise in the field of economics to spark a strong revival in Peru's economy. As a result, he is a highly popular figure among the Peruvian people. After leaving office, he has continued to be involved in a number of international activities and enjoys an outstanding reputation in the international community. President Ma added that Mrs. Toledo is also extremely talented, demonstrating fluency in seven languages. In addition, she was an important assistant to her husband in many areas when he served as the leader of Peru. President Ma described the couple as successful political figures.
In discussing the history of democratic development in Taiwan, President Ma said that Taiwan 12 years ago began holding direct presidential elections, enabling all eligible voters to have the opportunity to select the nation's leader. The results of the second direct presidential election led to the first change in the political party in power in the nation's history, causing the Kuomintang to become the opposition party after governing for 50 years. Eight years later, however, the results of this year's presidential election led to the second change in the ruling party. This indicates that Taiwan has become a mature democratic nation, he said. President Ma said many international friends from the United States, Europe and South America have all praised Taiwan for its democratic development. The president said former President Toledo will have an opportunity to meet people from a wide range of sectors in Taiwan on this trip. He expressed his confidence that this will be of great assistance in sharing experiences regarding the development of democracy in the two nations and in bolstering relations between Taiwan and South American countries.
Former President Toledo and Mrs. Toledo both said they are delighted to have the opportunity to visit Taiwan, adding that the warmth and friendliness of the Taiwan people have left a deep impression on them. In addition, they said they hope this visit will enable them to share with Taiwan Peru's experiences in democratic development as well as offer them a chance to see with their own eyes Taiwan's achievements in democracy and economic development.
Former President Toledo and Mrs. Toledo were accompanied to the Presidential Office in the morning by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou to meet President Ma. Also in attendance was National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi.