Taipei, Nov. 25 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian decorated visiting Nicaragua Vice President Jose Rizo Castellon with an Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon Monday to mark his contribution to the improvement of bilateral ties.
Chen lauded Rizo's role in cementing ties between Taipei and Managua, saying it is his government's privilege to present him with the country's highest honor.
Rizo said it was his great honor to be awarded for the second time by the Republic of China which had granted him a decoration of the same order when he was only 24.
Rizo also presented a Ruben Dario Gran Cruz medal to his ROC counterpart Annette Lu to mark Lu's pursuit for democracy and freedom.