Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

The president remarked that the ROC and Paraguay have maintained diplomatic relations for over 40 years and the two share a stable friendship and alliance. In the past, former President Chen Shui-bian and former Vice President Annette Lu visited Paraguay a number of times. In addition, President Ma led a delegation to Paraguay in August of last year to attend the inauguration of President Fernando Lugo. That trip, the president commented, was his first visit to Latin America, and it enabled him to understand the efforts and achievements made by the Paraguayan people over the years. He said he deeply admires the people there and that the hospitality of the Paraguayan people left a deep impression on him.

Major General Benítez expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also extended best wishes to President Ma on behalf of President Lugo. Major General Benítez highly praised President Ma for improving cross-strait relations and practicing flexible diplomacy since taking office.