▲2000.08.22
The Bagre Reclamation Project, an agricultural development program on the west bank of Burkina Faso’s Nakambe River, is an example of friendly cooperation between Taiwan and Burkina Faso. Other areas of cooperation include programs for medical aid, combating desertification, and promoting the establishment of small-scale clothes factories, as well as other programs designed to improve people’s lives. President Chen, accompanied by local government officials, is pictured in the project area under a scorching sun.
▲2005.04.08
The greatness of Pope John Paul II lay in the example he set for the world in four aspects: ridding fear with courage, dissolving hatred with love, overcoming conflict with peace, and replacing confrontation with reconciliation. Moreover, the Pontiff had devoted his life to caring for the poor and the disadvantaged with leniency and passion, and to pursuing peace and freedom. This photo shows President Chen on the funeral mass of the Pope.
▲2004.09.18
First Lady Wu Shu-jen led a delegation from Taiwan to the Paralympics in Athens, Greece. Despite some minor occurrences that obstructed Taiwan’s participation in some of the activities, the delegation was able to fulfill their overall mission. The First Lady personally led the delegation to Athens as a sign of her support and recognition of the disabled athletes’ efforts.
▲2003.07.20
Due to China’s suppression and obstruction of Taiwan’s foreign relations, Taiwan’s First Lady is often called upon to take the place of the President on overseas visits, often with a surprisingly positive outcome. When the First Lady met Pope John Paul II on behalf of President Chen, she congratulated him on the 25th anniversary of his papacy and wished him good health for the future. In return, the Pope expressed his gratitude and extended greetings to Taiwan’s people. This photograph, in which both the Pope and First Lady are in wheelchairs, touched people throughout the world. Both figures symbolize peace, benevolence, and love. In contrast, China’s behavior toward Taiwan is unreasonable and domineering. This distinction was evident to many across the world, marking the First Lady’s trip a victory for Taiwan’s diplomatic relations.
▲2005.09.29
After addressing the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on his trip there, President Chen, accompanied by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, visited a produce market nearby. He was warmly welcomed by the people who offered him bananas to eat.
▲2005.09.26
The nine participating leaders are: (from left) Vice Foreign Minister Vargas of Costa Rica, President Maduro of Honduras, Prime Minister Musa of Belize, President Chen of Taiwan, President Bolaños of Nicaragua, President Saca of El Salvador, President Torrijos of Panama, Foreign Minister Briz of Guatemala, and Vice Foreign Minister Guiliani of the Dominican Republic.
▲2007.01.27
Democracy fighter and former Polish President Lech Walesa was invited to attend the Preparatory Conference to Establish the Global Forum on New Democracies. During his stay, President Chen accompanied Walesa to Taipei’s Huasi Street Night Market. Walesa, who hails from a working-class background, found the market novel and friendly.
▲2006.09.09
The president enjoyed a traditional lunch and chatted with Mr. Huang Kun-bin, the leading character in the documentary Let It Be, and other local people.
▲2006.05.09
As part of his “Sustainable Peace, Eternal Friendship” tour in May 2006, President Chen attended the inauguration ceremony for Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. During the ceremony, President Chen met Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady of the U.S. He asked the First Lady to extend his regards to President Bush and invited the couple to visit Taiwan.
▲2000.08.16
In the Dominican Republic, President Chen met with heads of various nations and attended the inauguration of President Hipólito Mejía.
▲2005.04.08
While attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, President Chen reflected on the Pope’s contributions to the world in the grand Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Pope John Paul II devoted his life to improving the plight of the poor and was a strong proponent of peace and freedom. His influence on the world cannot be overstated.
▲2001.06.01
Honduran President Carlos Roberto Flores and President Chen were both born in 1950; they have both acted as parliamentarians in their respective countries, and both belong to political parties affiliated with Liberal International. Similarly, both countries have experienced the process of democratization after a period of authoritarian rule. After more than a half century of authoritarian rule, democracy was restored to Honduras in 1982 and a civilian government has been in place ever since.
▲2007.01.28
President Chen invited former South Korean President Kim Young Sam to the Preparatory Conference to Establish the Global Forum on New Democracies held in January 2007. President Chen asked Kim to convey his best regards to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on his behalf and said he hoped that Secretary-General Ban would be able to assist Taiwan in participating in UN affairs in the future.
▲2001.06.03
Making the most of the opportunity to taste the American way of life, President Chen and the First Lady donned Texan-style boots and cowboy hats, a novel experience for them both. They enjoyed delicious steaks in the Taste of Texas steakhouse in Houston.
▲2002.07.01
President Chen visited Sangalkam, a village north of Senegal’s capital Dakar, to formally open the new Dakar multipurpose agricultural training center. This photo shows President Chen standing side by side with President Abdoulaye Wade, waving from their vehicle to the welcoming crowds.
▲2001.05.23
President Chen was received by military salute on a trip to El Salvador by President Francisco Flores. President Flores informed President Chen that he had only ever welcomed two other leaders with such a salute, namely the Pope and former US President Clinton. This photo shows, prior to a state banquet in President Chen’s honor, President Flores leading his guest to see the exhibitions in the presidential office.
▲2000.08.23
When President Chen led a delegation to Chad in 2000, he was the first president of Taiwan to have ever visited the African nation. The President received a warm welcome from people in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena, and later learned that a half-day national holiday had been declared especially for his visit. Even more touching was that President and Mrs. Idriss Deby gave up their official residence for President Chen during his stay, while they themselves stayed in the presidential office. This photo shows President Chen being received by a military salute upon arrival.
▲2006.08.05
President Chen paid a visit to the pineapple production and marketing group in Chiayi County’s Minsyong Township. He acknowledged the farmers’ creativity and marketing strategies, which have helped regain Taiwan’s reputation as a kingdom of fruit.
▲2006.09.09
The president enjoyed a traditional lunch and chatted with Mr. Huang Kun-bin, the leading character in the documentary Let It Be, and other local people.
▲2005.09.22
President Chen was welcomed to Guatemala by President Óscar Berger Perdomo at the National Culture Palace. The Guatemalan government arranged for a “Roses of Peace” ceremony to be held in the same courtyard. In the simple and solemn ceremony, President Berger removed old roses, which were replaced with fresh ones by President Chen, symbolizing the determination of both countries in the pursuit of peace.
▲2005.07.01
President Chen, Premier Frank Hsieh, and Chairwoman of the Council of Labor Affairs Chen Chu attended a ceremony launching the Labor Pension Fund, a major step for Taiwan to become a fair and just welfare state.