Taipei, Oct. 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian hosted a state banquet to visiting Honduras President Ricardo Maduro in Nantou County, southern Taiwan Monday night.
Speaking at the banquet, Chen congratulated Maduro and his new wife, who Maduro married on Oct. 10--coinciding with the National Day of the Republic of China.
Chen said he hoped bilateral ties will be as happy as Maduro's marriage.
For his part, Maduro thanked the warm welcome extended to him by Taiwan and expressed solidarity with the island in its dispute with mainland China and in its bids to join the international community.
Before the banquet, Chen presented the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon to Maduro. The Honduras president arrived in Taiwan on Sunday with an entourage of 16 for his fifth trip to the island. He is slated to leave Oct. 24.