President Chen Meets with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Nollen Leni
Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian extended his thanks Monday to visiting Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Nollen Leni for the firm support of Leni's country for the Republic of China.
Chen said the Solomon Islands has spoken out on the international stage for the ROC's bid to join international organizations, particularly the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It also supported Taipei's call on Beijing to withdraw its missiles aimed against Taiwan in a declaration Oct. 4.
The president said the Solomon Islands, made up of 1,000-odd islands, is the ROC's biggest ally in the South Pacific. Its territorial waters of 1.34 million square kilometers cover the biggest fishing grounds in the South Pacific. All this makes the island-state a more valuable friend of Taiwan, he added.
The ROC and the Solomon Island's have been partners in developing the South Pacific state since the two established formal diplomatic ties in 1983, Chen said. He added that these ties have been strengthened with the visits to Taiwan by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza and Governor General John Ini Lapli in May, as well as by Leni's visit.
The president suggested Leni tour the island to get a first-hand view of the long way Taiwan has come in economic and political development.