Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian received visiting Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic Sergio Grullon Friday at the Presidential Office, reaffirming the Republic of China's friendship and cooperation with its Caribbean ally.
Chen first extended a warm welcome to Grullon and thanked him for participating in the just-concluded fourth summit of heads of states and governments of the ROC, Central American nations and the Dominican Republic and Belize in Taipei and asked that his message be relayed to President Rafael Hipolito Mejia.
Chen also thanked the Caribbean nation for the support it has extended to the ROC in the international arena, resisting tremendous pressure imposed by Beijing. He expressed the hope that Santo Domingo will continue to voice support for the ROC's bid to join the United Nations in the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in September.
Prior to the meeting, Grullon conferred the Golden Order of Columbus with Gran Cruz on ROC first lady Wu Shu-jen on behalf of the Dominican government in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of social welfare and democracy.
On receiving the medal, Wu said that it is not only her personal honor but also represents the close relationship between the ROC and the Dominican Republic.
She asked Grullon to convey her gratitude to President Mejia and the Dominican people and expressed the hope that the Dominican first lady will visit Taiwan in the near future.
Grullon assured his host that his country will continue to support the ROC's bid to join the United Nations and other international organizations.
He praised the ROC's progress in all aspects, particularly in the economic field.
Both he and President Mejia have witnessed the way that Taiwan advanced from an agricultural economy to a hi-tech one, Grullon said, noting that he had visited Taiwan twice, in 1979 and 1981, and that President Mejia has visited Taiwan 24 times thus far.
He invited President Chen to visit his country again for further enhancing ties.