Taipei, March 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday the Republic of China government and its people appreciate Tuvalu's staunch support of Taiwan's bid to join United Nations and other international organizations.
Chen made the comments while meeting with Tuvalu Prime Minister and concurrent Foreign Minister Saufatu Sopoanga. "We are grateful that you have on many international occasions spoken for our national cause, including joining the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other world bodies, " Chen told his guest.
Despite the geographic distance, Chen said, the ROC and Tuvalu have enjoyed a cordial relationship since they established formal diplomatic ties in 1979. "We enjoy solid friendship because we have shared values of freedom, democracy and human rights," he added.
Chen said he was glad that Tuvalu became the 189th U.N. member in September 2000. Due to Beijing's opposition, he went on, Taiwan is still shut out of the United Nations. "We are hopeful that Tuvalu will continue to support our U.N. bid."
Chen said he is satisfied that various cooperative projects between the two countries, including fishery cooperation, have all proceeded smoothly.