Taipei, May 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian conferred a medal of the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon on Sir John Ini Lapli, Governor-General of the Solomon Islands Wednesday for his contributions in promoting relations between the two countries.
In return, Lapli also awarded a medal of the Star of the Solomon Islands to Chen to demonstrate his long-standing friendship and support for the Republic of China.
The ceremony, held in the presidential office, was attended by Solomon Islands first lady Helen Lapli, Ambassador to the ROC Seth Gukuna, Lapli's five-member entourage, ROC Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chiou Jong-nan and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Joseph Wu.
President Chen said that it was a great honor and pleasure for him to confer the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon upon His Excellency Governor General in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of the friendly relations between our two countries.
President Chen said that he was also deeply honored to have received from His Excellency the Star of Solomon Islands. This distinct honor is a symbol of the close and cordial ties between the two countries. He pointed out that Solomon Islands is our long-time close friend in the South Pacific Region and the two countries have enjoyed cordial and friendly ties for some 20 years.