Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, March 14 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian and visiting Chad President Idriss Deby signed a joint communique Thursday expressing their satisfaction with bilateral ties and vowing to expand cooperation in various fields.

Deby reconfirmed his country's support for the Republic of China's bid to join the United Nations and other international organizations and congratulated the country on its accession to the World Trade Organization.

Chen, for his part, thanked Deby and his government for their support.

The communique was signed at Chen's office following a "warm chat" between the two leaders.

Chen described Deby's trip to Taiwan as a token of the firm friendship between the two countries and said he hopes Deby will visit the island again to see at first hand the country's dynamic strength.

The ROC leader said he looks forward to closer bilateral economic and trade exchanges.

Deby thanked his host for the warm hospitality extended to him and his entourage and expressed hope that the friendship between the two countries will last "for ever."