President Chen Shui-bian on the afternoon of April 14 met with former President of the Republic of Nauru Ludwig Derangadage Scotty and Mrs. Scotty. On behalf of the government and the 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan), President Chen extended a cordial welcome to the former president, which is an incumbent parliamentarian, and his wife on making another visit to Taiwan.
In speaking of the resumption of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations, President Chen recalled that he met with then President Scotty in Majuro on May 1, 2005. The two leaders held in-depth discussions, which served as an important basis for the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two nations on May 14, 2005. Since resuming diplomatic ties, Nauru has for three consecutive years (between 2005 and 2007) spoken on behalf of Taiwan during the United Nations General Assembly, supporting Taiwan's entry into the world body. The president said the government and people of Taiwan are grateful to these efforts made by Nauru. President Chen pointed out that Taiwan is able to have such a staunch supporter and friend in the international arena thanks to the efforts made by former President Scotty.
President Chen also said that Taiwan and its Pacific island nation allies held a summit in September 2006 in Palau and another one in October 2007 in Majuro. Former President Scotty personally attended both summits, making the events all the more meaningful and lively. The summits paved the way for the signing of the Palau Declaration and the Majuro Declaration, which are helping to promote substantive relations between Taiwan and its Pacific island nation allies.
President Chen praised former President Scotty for his contributions in the political arena. In addition to serving twice as the president of Nauru, the former president has an excellent record of achievements in promoting development in his nation. He is well loved among the people of Nauru and is a good model for a politician. President Chen said he expects former President Scotty will continue to be a force to ensure political stability within his nation and will make a contribution to fostering substantive friendship between Taiwan and Nauru, as he did when he helped pave the way for formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In addition to expressing his gratitude to President Chen for a warm reception, former President Scotty pledged to work to maintain a strong alliance between the two countries in the future and create a new page in friendly and substantive ties between Taiwan and Nauru.