Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed Friday the Republic of China's friendship with Guatemala.
In a meeting with his Guatemalan counterpart, Alfonso Portillo, at the Presidential Office, Chen thanked Guatemala for the support it has extended to the ROC in the international arena, just like a faithful friend.
Chen also appreciated his personal friendship forged with Portillo since they met for the first time at the third summit of heads of states and governments of the ROC, Central American nations, the Dominican Republic and Belize in El Salvador in 2001.
Chen noted that he himself and Portillo share many personal characteristics and described Portillo as an honest and faithful friend of the ROC people.
In response, Portillo assured his host that ROC-Guatemala relations will be further strengthened and he will continue to dedicate himself to promoting ties during his present term and afterward.
Also on hand at the meeting was ROC Vice Foreign Minister Francisco Hwang and Secretary-General to the President Chiou I-jen, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Edgar Gutierrez, Secretary to the President Julio Giron and Director of the Information Office of the Presidency Alejandro Perez.