Photo courtesy of CNA; President Tsai Ing-wen (right) and Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes
Taipei, July 12 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen and visiting Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes held talks on Wednesday in which Cartes said that his country will continue to help Taiwan take part in international organizations and activities.
Tsai for her part said she felt the warm hospitality of the Paraguayan government and people when she visited the South American country in late June last year.
She was also impressed by Cartes' remarks that "your country is bigger than you have imagined it to be."
Paraguay is a good friend of Taiwan, Tsai said, noting that whenever Taiwan is treated unfairly in the international community, Paraguay always speaks up for Taiwan.
Tsai also said that Taiwan is promoting innovative industries, and expressed the hope that the two countries can cooperate in the areas of green energy and new agriculture.
Tsai also noted that when she visited Paraguay, she announced that the number of scholarships to Taiwan would be increased to 28 and that the import quota of beef from Paraguay would be expanded. Both pledges have been delivered, she said.
Mutual benefit is the ideal that Taiwan has put into practice, she said.
The two leaders later witnessed the signing of an economic cooperation agreement and the exemption of double verification of official papers, which Tsai said will help bilateral exchanges.
Cartes said the signing of the agreements is historically significant and will boost bilateral trade exchanges, while the exemption of double verification of official papers will also boost commercial and tourism exchanges.
Cartes lauded Taiwan's contributions to medical care, health, global civil aviation, environmental protection, culture and other aspects, and pledged continued support of Taiwan's efforts to take part in international organizations and activities.
This is Cartes' third visit to Taiwan since he assumed the presidency in 2013.
