President Tsai Ing-wen said March 12 that relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and diplomatic ally Nicaragua are going from strength to strength and she anticipates the two countries expanding exchanges and deepening the longstanding friendship.
Taiwan-Nicaragua cooperation spans a broad range of areas like agriculture, economy, health care, military and trade, Tsai said. Such efforts over many years are paying handsome dividends for both sides in the pursuit of development and progress, she added.
According to the president, she experienced firsthand the results of this partnership while inspecting joint projects in the Central American nation last year. Tsai, who was visiting Nicaragua on the second leg of her nine-day official trip to ROC diplomatic allies in the region, also attended the Jan. 10, 2017, inauguration of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo.
The president made the remarks while receiving Gen. Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo, commander in chief of the Nicaraguan army, at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Aviles will be brought up to speed on the latest developments pertaining to ties during his fourth visit to Taiwan.
Tsai said the general is an old friend of Taiwan and his presence reflects the importance of the bilateral relationship to the Nicaraguan government. This is also illustrated by the messages of condolences and support sent by Managua and Aviles in the wake of last month’s magnitude 6 earthquake centered on Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, she added.
According to the president, since Aviles’ appointment as commander in chief, he has prioritized Taiwan-Nicaragua military exchanges. Last year, for example, former Minister of National Defense Feng Shih-kuan visited Nicaragua for in-depth discussions with the general on a wide range of related matters and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation, she said.
Going forward, Tsai said she hopes Taiwan will continue receiving the strong support of Nicaragua in its bid to play a bigger role in international organizations. This backing is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, she added, vowing to take every opportunity to advance diplomatic ties. (JSM)
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