Taipei, Jan. 15 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his concern about the heavy casualties in El Salvador caused by a strong earthquake that recently struck the Central American nation when he received El Salvador Ambassador to the ROC Francisco Ricardo Santana Berrios at the Presidential Office Monday.
The president said the Republic of China, as a most sincere ally of El Salvador, feels deep sympathy for the victims of the earthquake, and will do everything possible to help in rescue and post-quake reconstruction operations.
The president said that Taiwan was extended the same concern and assistance from El Salvador and other nations when it was hit by a similar earthquake two years ago. "We share the same feeling with the people of El Salvador in their difficulties."
For his part, the Salvadoran ambassador briefed Presdient Chen on the latest situation regarding the quake, and expressed his appreciation for the concern of the ROC government and people. He also expressed admiration for the ROC's move to send a rescue team to El Salvador and donate US$200,000 within 24 hours of the earthquake.