Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian met his El Salvadoran counterpart Francisco Flores Friday at the Presidential Office, reaffirming the Republic of China's relations and cooperation with El Salvador.
During the meeting, Chen first thanked Flores for his presence in the just-concluded summit of heads of states and governments of the ROC, Central American nations and the Dominican Republic in Taipei and expressed his appreciation for the support El Salvador has extended to the ROC in the international arena.
Chen told his Salvadoran guest that the ROC and El Salvador share the same spirit of potential and unlimited opportunity under adverse circumstances with limited resources. It is called in Taiwan "the spirit of the sons of Taiwan," he added.
Chen also praised the courage and tenacity demonstrated by the El Salvadoran people in braving adversity, particularly in reconstructing the nation in the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes that hit El Salvador over the past years.
El Salvador was not knocked down by the earthquakes but stood firm and was back to normal in the shortest period possible after the disasters, Chen noted, adding that it represents the spirit of not abandoning the opportunity of success, which is similar to "the spirit of the sons of Taiwan."
In a ceremony held prior to the meeting, Chen conferred the order of Brilliant Star with Special Cordon on El Salvadoran first lady Lourdes Rodriquez de Flores in recognition of her contributions to the promotion of ROC-El Salvador relations and friendship.
In return, President Flores bestowed the order of Libertador de los Esclavos Jose Simeon Canas on ROC first lady Wu Shu-jen on the same occasion.
Flores reiterated El Salvador's friendship with and support for the ROC and assured Taiwan that the relations between the two nations will be further strengthened.
He also praised the ROC for the progress it has made in Taiwan in all aspects, affirming that it can serve as an example for El Salvador.
On hand at the meeting were also ROC Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien, Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Chiou I-jen, Minister of the Department of Health Chen Chien-jen, El Salvadoran Foreign Minister Maria Eugenia Brizuela de Avila and Minister of Economic Affairs Miguel Ernesto Lacayo.