Taipei, Dec. 13 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Friday stressed the importance of cooperation between the central and local governments, saying that there is undoubtedly a "partnership" relationship between them.
During a meeting at the Presidential Office with Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, President Chen said Taipei, the largest city in Taiwan, can be the best possible exemplar demonstrating cordial partnership between the central and local governments.
President Chen said that with the conclusion of the mayoral and city council elections in Taipei and Kaoshiung Dec. 7, all the bickering seen during the campaigning has now passed. "Let's have a brand new start, " he urged, adding that this would be "the greatest expectation of the people."
President Chen, who was Taipei mayor between 1994-98, said he feels proud that he once held the baton in the Taipei administration relay and handed the authority to his successor, Ma, adding that each mayor, past and present, has made admirable contributions to the development of Taipei City.
For his part, Ma reassured the president that he is determined to maintain cordial and reciprocal relations with the central government.
Ma said he will try his utmost to collaborate with the Executive Yuan to concertedly strive for a better economy, pointing out a stronger stock market and economy is in everybody's interest.
According to Ma, President Chen asked him to consider the possibility of relocating the Sungshan Airport out of the city and told him that the former military airport is not suitable for being used for direct air links with mainland China.
President Chen also asked Ma for his support for the education reforms that the Ministry of Education is now launching, according to the mayor.
Ma, meanwhile, solicited the central government's financial support for expansion projects for the Taipei mass rapid transport system as well as for the construction of the proposed Taipei Athletic Dome.