Taipei, July 12 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday hosted a military salute ceremony in the plaza in front of the Presidential Office to welcome Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes.
Cartes and a delegation of officials arrived in Taiwan a day earlier on a three-day state visit, during which he was scheduled to attend events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Cartes received a 21-gun salute and the national anthems of the two countries were played.
The two presidents then together observed a parade of honor guards and military bands from the armed forces.
Tsai said that Taiwan and Paraguay have always extended support to each other in the international community, and that the continued cooperation and exchanges in culture, trade and education between the two countries have made their ties closer and stronger.
Tsai noted that Cartes is the first head of state from Taiwan's diplomatic allies that she has met at the Presidential Office since she took office in May 2016.
The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries marks an important landmark in their relations, Tsai said, adding that she was pleased to celebrate the important moment with Cartes and was looking forward to seeing the two countries working together.
Cartes said that his visit to Taiwan in his capacity as head of state shows the importance Paraguay attaches to Taiwan and the solid diplomatic bilateral ties. He also said that relations between the two countries have become increasingly close.
The Paraguayan government wants to strengthen ties and increase cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan, Cartes said.
Cartes said that Taiwan and Paraguay decided to work together for national prosperity 60 years ago and added that the expectations of the governments of the two countries in this regard remain unchanged.
