Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday during a meeting with two visiting ministers from The Gambia that the Republic of China will implement a protocol on cooperation between the ROC and the West African nation as scheduled.
The president made the remarks when he welcomed Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Pamara L. Jatta and Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment Musa H. Sillah, both of whom were visiting Taiwan for the second time.
Chen noted that he also received the credentials of new Gambian Ambassador Essa Bokar Sey the previous day, showing the firm relations between the two countries.
The president asked the two ministers to convey his greeting to President Yayah Jammeh in appreciation for his concern, the importance attached to bilateral friendship and his long-term support for the ROC, especially his concern for the havoc wrecked by Typhoon Toraji.
He also expressed the hope that Jammeh will be re-elected in Gambia's presidential election so as to continue to lead the country toward prosperity.
Chen also said that since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in July 1995 after a 21-year hiatus, all cooperation projects have proceeded smoothly and added that the protocol on cooperation between the two countries has gone well. He further expressed hope that the two sides continue to increase exchanges and cooperation based on this protocol.
He also asked the two ministers to introduce Lin Chun-yi-- the new ROC ambassador to Gambia soon to assume his post-- to their country.
Lin, a biologist and environmental activist, is both erudite and no stranger to Africa, the president said. During his service with a Christian church in the United States, Lin was assigned to Tanzania, Kenya and several other African states to assist in establishing their biology teaching systems.
The president expressed the hope that bilateral relations will be further strengthened after Lin takes the post.
Jatta also conveyed a personal letter from Jammeh to Chen, adding that his president has good personal friendship with Chen and attaches great importance to bilateral relations. He also said Gambia will continue to support the ROC in the international community because the ROC is "a true friend of Gambia."
The two ministers, who arrived Monday to promote trade and economic relations with the ROC, will leave Taiwan Friday.