Kaohsiung, Taiwan, March 16 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presided Friday over an official welcoming ceremony for visiting Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore at a southern Taiwan naval base.
Compaore was accorded full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, in the ceremony held at the Tsoying naval base near the port city of Kaohsiung.
It is the first time that the Republic of China has held a welcoming ceremony for a visiting foreign head of state in southern Taiwan.
Chen was scheduled to host a dinner in downtown Kaohsiung later in the day in honor of Compaore and his entourage. He said the arrangements were aimed at signifying the government's determination to promote balanced development in the southern and northern parts of the island.
During a meeting with Compaore at the Presidential Office in Taipei Friday morning, Chen said he is hopeful that the unprecedented arrangements will enable Compaore to get a taste of southern Taiwan residents' "passion."
"I also hope that you can take advantage of the occasion to see for yourself the latest developments and general social customs and climate in southern Taiwan," Chen told his guest.
During their talks, Chen and Compaore also exchanged views on a range of topics of mutual concern, including ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Noting that existing agricultural and irrigation cooperative programs have contributed a great deal to improving living conditions for the people of Burkina Faso, Chen said the two countries should continue and even expand these cooperative projects.
Chen expressed his gratitude for Burkina Faso's support for the ROC's bid to join major international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
It was Chen's second meeting with Compaore since taking office in Taiwan's first democratic transition of power between different political parties last May. Chen first met Compaore during a visit to Burkina Faso last August. Chen said he has fond memories of his brief visit to the ROC's West African ally.
Compaore arrived in Taipei Thursday for a six-day state visit. During his stay, he will meet with senior ROC officials and business leaders and will sign a joint communique with Chen at the end of his visit.