Taipei, Feb. 27 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presided over a ceremony Wednesday to welcome Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., who arrived in Taipei a day earlier for a five-day state visit.
Remengesau was accorded full military honors, complete with a 21-gun military salute, in a welcoming ceremony held at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex in downtown Taipei near the Presidential Office.
Speaking on the occasion, Chen said relations between the Republic of China and Palau have been growing steadily since the two countries forged formal diplomatic ties in December 1999. "We believe that President Remengesau's current visit will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and turn a new page in our relations," Chen said.
Noting that both the ROC and Palau will face new opportunities and challenges in the new century, Chen said he hopes the two countries can cooperate closely to overcome difficulties and enhance their people's well-being.