Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian confirmed Friday that he will visit Panama in November to participate in the activities marking the 100th founding anniversary of the Central American nation.
Speaking at a meeting with his Panamanian counterpart Mireya Moscoso at the Presidential Office, Chen said that it is a great honor for him to be invited to participate in the significant celebrations.
He thanked Moscoso for her presence at the just-concluded fourth summit of heads of states and governments of the Republic of China, Central American nations, the Dominican Republic and Belize in Taipei, noting that Moscoso did not participate in the third meeting of its kind held in El Salvador in 2001.
Chen also appreciated the signing of a free trade agreement between the ROC and Panama, noting that it is the first the ROC has ever signed with a foreign country.
Chen assured his guest that his administration will spare no efforts to implement the accord, making it become a model to be followed by others.
Also, he thanked Panama for the support it has extended to the ROC in the international arena.
In response, Moscoso thanked Chen and the ROC government for the assistance it has extended to Panama, noting that the cooperation and mutual support have set a solid foundation for ROC-Panama relations and friendship.
The signing of the ROC-Panama free trade agreement a day earlier will further promote their ties to a higher level, the Panamanian president said.
She expressed the hope that Chen will stay in Panama for more time during his next visit to explore the prosperity and trade opportunities of her country.
On hand at the meeting were also ROC Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien and Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Yi-fu, Panamanian Foreign Minister Harmodio Arias, Minister of the Interior and Justice Arnulfo Escalona, Minister of Commerce and Industry Joaquin Jacome and Minister of Finance Norberto Delgado.