Taipei, July 29 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on visiting Dominican Republic Senate Speaker Andres Bautista Monday in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of bilateral ties.
The conferral was held at the Presidential Office and witnessed by Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Vice Foreign Minister Lan Chih-min, Dominican Ambassador to Taipei Miguel Hernandez, Senator Ginette Bourniga and members of a Dominican parliamentarian delegation.
Chen praised Bautista for his lasting efforts in promoting relations between the ROC and the Dominican Republic.
Although the ROC and the Dominican Republic are geographically far apart, the president said that the two nations share the same universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights, which sets a firm foundation for their lasting friendship. Bilateral ties have been further strengthened through increasing exchanges of visits over the years, Chen went on, noting that he visited the Caribbean nation two years ago to attend the inauguration of President Hipolito Mejia. Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pying also toured Santo Domingo at the head of a parliamentarian delegation earlier this month, he added.
For his part, the Dominican parliament leader said that it was a great honor for him and for his country to receive the medal and he pledged to do his best to further promote the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.