President Chen Shui-Bian (R) of Taiwan and Hon. Senator Rodolfo Biazon (L) of the Liberal Party of the Philippines during the CALD Handover ceremonies at the Taipei Guest House..

(October 14, 2005/ Taipei) At the historic Taipei Guest House where major Taiwanese state functions are held, the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats (CALD) held its Handover Ceremonies with H.E. President Chen Shui-Bian of the Democratic Progressive Party and outgoing CALD Chairman turning over the CALD Chairmanship to the Liberal Party of the Philippines represented by Hon. Senator Rodolfo Biazon.

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from Taiwan, Asia and Europe, started with the valedictory address  of outgoing CALD Chairman, President Chen Shui-bian.

This was followed by the turning over of the CALD Seal from President Chen to Senator Rodolfo Biazon signifying the transfer of the CALD leadership from the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan to the Liberal Party of the Philippines.

Senator Biazon gave the acceptance speech  in behalf of incoming CALD Chairman, Senate President Franklin Drilon, President of the Liberal Party.

The event was emceed by the outgoing and incoming CALD Secretaries General, legislators Bi-Khim Hsiao and Neric Acosta, respectively. The ceremony was followed by a dinner hosted by President Chen. Among those attending the dinner were former Liberal International President Belgian Minister of State Annemie Neytts, MEP and Taiwanese Foreign Minister Mark Chen.

The CALD Handover Ceremonies capped the highly successful Liberal International Women’s Workshop and 2005 CALD General Assembly.