Nicaraguan FM invited for National Day

It will be Santos’ first trip to the Republic of China since he assumed office early this year, the sources said.

Santos originally planned to visit Taiwan in the first quarter of this year, but later canceled his travel plan due to his busy work schedule. Since the Sandinistas regained power in January, speculation has been rife about the possibility of Nicaragua switching its diplomatic allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.

Relations between the two countries have become more stable following President Chen Shui-bian’s visit to Nicaragua in August, MOFA sources said, adding that the government has invited Santos to join the Oct. 10 National Day celebrations as part of its efforts to further boost bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

According to the sources, Santos will head a delegation composed of many high-ranking Nicaraguan officials to visit Taiwan. During its stay, the Santos-led mission will meet with local officials on measures to facilitate cooperation in technological, investment, hydraulic power generation, public health care and other relevant fields.

In line with diplomatic protocol, the sources said, the itinerary of Santos’ visit will be formally announced by the governments of the two countries in the next few days.

Besides Santos, the sources said, many other foreign dignitaries, including Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, the Dominican Republic vice president, the Swazi parliamentary speaker and members of a Malawi female lawmakers alliance, will also travel to Taipei to join the ROC National Day celebrations.

Many legislators and think tank scholars from the United States and Japan, two of Taiwan’s most important trading partners and security allies, will also come to celebrate the country’s birthday, the sources added.

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