Taipei, Aug. 15 (CNA) ROC President Chen Shui-bian Thursday received Panamanian National Legislative Assembly President Ruben Arosemena Valdez and other members of his party who arrived in Taipei Wednesday for a five-day visit.
Chen expressed his thanks to Arosemena for the warm reception given to ROC Premier Yu Shyi-kun during his recent official visit to Panama.
He also asked the visitor to convey his greetings to Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso, hoping that Moscoso will be able to visit Taipei again.
Moscoso was the first foreign head of state to visit Taiwan after Chen assumed the presidency in May 2000. Last year, Chen visited Panama and was deeply impressed by that trip.
Chen said that the ROC government and its people treasure the brotherly friendship between the two countries, and expressed his hope that bilateral ties will be further cemented in the future.
During the reception, Arosemena reiterated the Panamanian National Legislative Assembly's staunch support for the ROC government, saying that the assembly has dispatched a mission to visit Taipei every year.
As Taiwan's investments in Panama have increased sharply over the past few years, Arosemena said that the legislative assembly has started deliberating on bills designed to promote trade relations between Panama and Taiwan.
Chen said that Panama maintains an important position on economic development, and added that the ROC will continue strengthening its cooperation with Panama.
The visitors met Chen at the Presidential Office, accompanied by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Michael Kau.