Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday the Republic of China is more than willing to pay back to the international community for the assistance it received in the past. "As a member of the international community, we are willing to share our developmental experience and results with other countries in return for the assistance we received in our development process," Chen said while meeting with foreign delegates who are here to attend the 2002 World Freedom Day celebration activities.

Chen further said the ROC will also do its utmost to contribute to international cooperation and prosperity in the new century.

The World Freedom Day activities are organized by the ROC Chapter of the World League for Freedom and Democracy (WLFD). Chen met with the representatives from South Korea, Senegal, Poland, the Philippines and other countries at the Presidential Office.

Chen said the organization and working agenda of the WLFD have evolved along with the general world trends. "Its focus has evolved from anti-totalitarianism to strive for freedom, democracy and human rights," he noted.

Over the years, Chen said, the WLFD has achieved many remarkable accomplishments and won world recognition. With the end the Cold War, he went on, the international community is now pursuing closer cooperation and strategic alliance on the principles of reciprocity and equality.

Chen said the terrorist attacks in the United States Sept. 21, 2001 has further betrayed the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding world peace and security.

As a member of the world society, Chen said, the ROC will work even closer with other countries in promoting world peace, cooperation and prosperity.