Taipei, Jan. 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday received a group of Italian parliamentarians at the presidential office and expressed his gratitude for their support given to the Republic of China.
The president told the Italian friends that he hopes that Taiwan will have a closer relationship with Italy and that the two countries can strengthen their scientific and technological cooperation as well as cooperation between their respective small and medium-sized enterprises.
Noting that he hopes that Italian authorities concerned will upgrade the position of Taiwan's representation in Italy, Chen said that he particularly hopes that the artistic works of Taiwan's National Palace Museum will be able to be exhibited in Italy.
The group, headed by Gian Paolo Landi Di Chiavenna, who is chairman of the pro-Taiwan group in the Italian parliament, includes 8 parliamentarians as well as 12 representatives from Italian companies and industries.
While noting that this marks the first visit to Taiwan by such a large Italian delegation since the island set up offices in Italy, Chen said that the visit proves the friendly relationship between the two countries and the possibility of future economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.
He noted that under the leadership of Landi De Chiavenna, the strong 131-member pro-Taiwan group in the Italian parliament did a lot of things for Taiwan last year, including supporting Taiwan's WHO bid, granting a visa to Vice President Annette Lu for a transit stop during a visit to Europe, and delivering diplomatic identity cards to Taiwan officials stationed in Italy. He also pointed out that the group sent a letter to the Italian premier to echo the European Parliament's stance of urging Beijing to dismantle its missiles deployed along the southeast mainland Chinese coast and aimed at Taiwan.
While receiving his Italian guests, President Chen also said he hopes that they can witness firsthand the island's economic and political progress during their visit in Taiwan.
While pointing out that Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the result of efforts made by the people of Taiwan, the president also expressed his thanks for the support of friendly countries like Italy.
He said Taiwan will respect WTO rules and fulfill its WTO obligations, adding that he believes that the Taiwan-Italy relationship will be bettered after the European Union establishes an office in Taipei.
The president also expressed to his Italian guests his goodwill in dealing with cross-strait relations and indicated that Taiwan has always stated that it seeks a peaceful solution to cross-strait problems.