Taipei, July 10 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that his just-concluded 10-day, four-nation African tour was successful and fruitful.
Chen made the remarks in a speech delivered upon his return to Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, Taiwan's main gateway, where he was greeted by his wife Wu Shu-jen, Vice President Annette Lu and many senior government officials. "The tour took me to Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Malawi and Swaziland. Each of these countries has its own culture and customs, but all of them show the same affection for Taiwan," Chen said. "I have managed to forge close personal friendships with the top leaders of these allies through intimate, face-to-face talks with them," he went on.
Chen said the heads of state of the four allies are all very grateful for the assistance the Republic of China has extended to their countries over the years. "They have also reaffirmed their commitment to continue speaking out for our national cause in the international community," he added.
Decades ago, Chen said, Taiwan needed foreign aid. "Through our concerted efforts, we have managed to stand up on own. Today, we are a donor nation, a contributor to world society. We should take pride in our achievements."
Chen especially expressed his respect and appreciation for the staff of the ROC's medical service and agricultural technical missions stationed in various African countries. "For decades, they have acted like 'angels of the Lord,' disseminating the 'gospel of humanitarian concern' and bringing warmth and hope to the people of Africa," he said.
The president also thanked the many business leaders, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties and officials from central and local governments who accompanied him on the hectic journey. "I appreciate their support for our diplomatic work," Chen said. He also credited the smoothness of the trip to the devotion of all those who helped design his itinerary.
This was Chen's third diplomatic tour since assuming office in May 2000. He has so far made state visits to 15 of the ROC's 28 diplomatic allies--the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Chad, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Honduras, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Malawi and Swaziland.