ROC Vice President Vincent C. Siew and Paraguayan Vice President Federico Franco jointly unveiled a set of commemorative stamps in Paraguay May 15 in honor of the South American nation’s 200th year of independence and the ROC centennial.
“This event is testimony to the close relationship between our two countries,” Siew said at the launching ceremony.
He noted that it is the third time the two allies have jointly issued commemorative stamps, after 2002 and 2007 marking the 45th and 50th anniversaries, respectively, of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties.
The ROC stamp features the Martyrs’ Shrine, while the Paraguayan version has a picture of the National Pantheon of Heroes.
Noting that both sites are revered monuments honoring fallen national heroes, Siew said the stamps serve to remind later generations of their forebearers’ sacrifices in championing the causes of democracy, freedom and human rights.
After attending Paraguay’s bicentennial celebrations May 15, Siew headed for a state visit in Panama, during which he is expected to meet with Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli. (SB)