Taipei, Aug. 13 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian received a delegation of Australian parliamentarians Monday and extended his appreciation for Australia's support for Taiwan's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
He also expressed the hope that Australia will support Taiwan's efforts to become an observer in the World Health Organization so that it can make contributions in the health field as a member of the international community.
Talking about Australia's support for the deployment of two U.S. aircraft carriers to waters close to the Taiwan Strait during the 1996 crisis across the Taiwan Strait, Chen described the moral courage of the Australian foreign minister as "admirable."
He also lauded a joint communique signed at last month's U.S.-Australian ministerial consultation meeting, which stated that Taiwan and mainland China should resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations.
During the day's talks, the president asked the Australian government to change the "unfair" visa treatment for Taiwan tourists making short-term visits to Australia.