Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 1 (CNA) Visiting Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that the ROC government and people appreciate Honduras' longtime support for Taiwan's bid to upgrade its international profile. "We are grateful for your support for our national cause in the international arena," Chen said after receiving a decoration from Honduran President Carlos Roberto Flores Facusse.
In a ceremony held at the Honduran Presidential Office, Flores decorated Chen with the Order of Francisco Morazon in the rank of Great Cross in recognition of his contribution to promoting relations between the two countries.
In return, Chen conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on Flores. It is the highest honor the ROC government can present to a foreign head of state.
Chen, who took office in Taiwan's first-ever democratic transfer of power between different political parties last May, noted that both the ROC and Honduras have transformed from authoritarian rule to democracy. "Honduras began its political democratization 20 years and its major political parties have since taken turns in ruling the country," Chen noted, adding that Taiwan has something to learn from Honduras in this regard as "party rotation" in government is still in its early stages in Taiwan.
Chen further said that he and Flores have many things in common, including their age and legislative experience. Noting that Flores enjoys an approval rating of about 80 percent, Chen said he will take advantage of his current visit to learn from Flores' political achievements.