Taipei, Nov. 6 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian conferred Tuesday the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Honduran Cardinal-Bishop Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga in recognition of his contributions to world peace and bilateral relations.
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Office with ROC Cardinal-Bishop Paul Shan, Bishop of Taipei Di Kang, Honduran Ambassador to the ROC Margarita Duron de Galvez, Holy See Charge d'Affaires Adolf Tito Yllana, Vice Foreign Minister Chiou Jong-nan and Prsidential Deputy Secretary-General Eugene Chien witnessing.
Chen lauded Rodriguez for his promotion of peace, his work to improve social welfare and his promotion of social reform.
In return, Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the ROC government for its economic assistance to Honduras. He said that development can only take place in stable and peaceful conditions and that only education can lift people out of poverty.