Taipei, April 3 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian and visiting Liberian President Charles Taylor signed a joint communique Tuesday calling on all nations to resolve international differences through dialogue, negotiations and other peaceful means.
In the communique, the two leaders also urged all governments to strive for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in order to maintain world peace and security.
Taylor reiterated his thanks for the Republic of China's economic and humanitarian assistance to Liberia since the two nations restored diplomatic relations in 1989 following a hiatus of 12 years when the West African nation switched to diplomatic ties with Beijing.
In turn, Chen pledged in the communique to be a trustworthy partner in Liberia's national development and reconstruction process. Taylor praised the Republic of China's advances in democracy and economic liberalization, and he formally invited Chen to visit Liberia.
Chen accepted Taylor's invitation, adding that the exact dates will be determined through diplomatic channels in the near future.
Regarding the specific areas of bilateral exchanges and cooperation to be outlined in a draft agreement, Chen said that further consensus can be formed at a year-end meeting to be held between ROC and Liberian government officials.
The full text of the communique is as follows:
Responding to an invitation from His Excellency Chen Sui-bian, President of the Republic of China, His Excellency Dahkpannah Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, President of the Republic of Liberia, accompanied by a high-ranking government delegation paid a five-day state visit to the Republic of China from March 28 to April 3, 2001.
During the visit, the two heads of state engaged in discussion on various issues of mutual interest and on world affairs in a spirit of friendship and an atmosphere of cordiality.
In regard to issues surrounding international affairs, the two heads of state declared that all nations should resort to dialogue, negotiations and other peaceful means aimed at settling international disputes, on the basis of the principles of sovereignty and universal equality of all nations. The two presidents also called on all governments in the world to ensure the survival of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in order to maintain international peace and security.
His Excellency Dahkpannah Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, President of the Republic of Liberia, expressed his deep admiration for the Republic of China’s remarkable achievements and progress in both political democratization and economic liberalization. He also availed himself of the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to the government of the Republic of China for the economic development and humanitarian assistance given to Liberia since the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
His Excellency Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China, promised that his country would always be a trustworthy partner of Liberia in the pursuit of its national development and reconstruction efforts.
President Chen Shui-bian and President Dahkpannah Charles Ghankay Taylor expressed their satisfaction with the evolution of the cordial ties of cooperation and friendship which exist between the two countries and peoples. They also pledged to enhance the close cooperation further for the mutual benefit of their respective countries.
President Taylor expressed his sincere thanks to the Chinese head of state and to the government and people of the Republic of China for the exceptionally warm and fraternal welcome accorded to him and his delegation in the course of his state visit to the Republic of China.
President Charles Ghankay Taylor invited President Chen Shui-bian to pay a state visit to Liberia.
The invitation was accepted with pleasure by President Chen Shui-bian; the date will be arranged through diplomatic channels in the near future.
Issued in Taipei on the third day of April of the ninetieth year of the Republic of China, corresponding to the third day of April of the year two thousand and one.