Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Dec. 14 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian and visiting Sao Tome and Principe President Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in a joint communique issued Friday before Menezes ended his five-day state visit to Taipei.

In the joint communique, Chen praised his counterpart from the West African island republic for his efforts at political, economic and social reform, and Menezes congratulated Chen for Taiwan's impending Jan. 1 World Trade Organization entry.

Menezes pledged that his country will continue to help the Republic of China to gain participation in other international organizations including the United Nations.

The two presidents jointly called on the international community to adopt immediate and effective measures to combat the global challenges that threaten world peace and development, namely international terrorism, AIDS, poverty and environmental degradation.

Menezes expressed his full support for the ROC government's efforts at resolving the various differences on cross-Taiwan Strait issues through peaceful dialogue.

At the communique signing ceremony, Menezes thanked Chen for his hospitality and expressed gratitude for the ROC government's assistance to Sao Tome and Principle in agricultural and economic development as well as in medical services over the past years.

Chen accepted an invitation by Menezes to visit Sao Tome and Principe, with the date to be decided later through bilateral diplomatic channels.