GIO chief praises former Mongolian president for democratic achievements

The head of the Government Information Office (GIO), Cheng Wen-tsang, on Thursday received Punsalmaa Ochirbat, the former president of Mongolia, along with his wife and others in a delegation presenting visiting Taiwan. Cheng praised Former President Ochirbat for his achievements in promoting democracy in Mongolia, saying that he was instrumental in helping his nation realize democracy. Cheng said it was his honor to have the opportunity to meet with Ochirbat in Taiwan.

Cheng said that over the next few days, both Taiwanese and international media will be reporting on a preparatory conference for the Global Forum on New Democracies that is being organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. He said that relatively mature democratic nations utilize the "Club of Madrid" to share their experiences.

The Global Forum on New Democracies, which is to be held in Taipei, is projected to offer an avenue for emerging democratic nations to exchange their experiences. He said he is confident that this new group will be given a lot of weight. Cheng said leaders must be extremely determined in the process of democratization, adding that five former presidents or prime ministers who are coming to Taiwan to attend the Global Forum on New Democracies all deeply devoted to democratization. As a result, the people of these nations are extremely fond of these leaders.

Cheng said that last year he met with several journalists from Mongolia who came to Taiwan to report on sumo wrestlers, one of which was Asashoryu from Mongolia, who is Yokozuna.

Cheng also said that last year marked the 800th anniversary of the founding of Mongolia. He said that when he met with the Mongolian journalists, he invited them to visit the National Palace Museum to see the collection of items from the Yuan Dynasty. Two paintings that were on display were unique, one being an image of Genghis Khan and the other of Kublai Khan. He said he could see how the journalists were moved by the two paintings. Cheng said over the coming few days, if there is an opportunity, he will invite His Excellency Punsalmaa Ochirbat to visit the National Palace Museum.

Cheng noted that the museum will re-open in February after an extensive facelift. He said that if there is an appropriate opportunity, talks could be held with the museum on how best to make use its collection of Yuan Dynasty art.

Former President Ochirbat received a warm welcome during his visit to the GIO, where he viewed a multi-media presentation on the state of Taiwan prepared by the GIO. Accompanying the former president was his wife, three Mongolian legislators, the former president's daughter and his son-in-law.