Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) Taiwanese delicacies and traditional art were the center of attention for more than 400 foreign dignitaries, including the presidents of Burkina Faso and Paraguay, at the National Day reception in Taipei on Friday.

To celebrate the Republic of China's (ROC's) 103rd birthday, the Foreign Ministry created dozens of booths at the Taipei Guest House offering foreign guests a glimpse of Taiwan's many lifestyles and crafts.

Among them were demonstrations of molded dough figures, paper cuttings, and art pieces made of straw that attracted long lines of guests.

First lady Lorena Isabel Castillo de Varela of Panama was one of those on line, eager to get a look at how Hello Kitty took shape from a mound of dough.

Praising the beauty of the artwork, she said she wished the ROC a very happy birthday.

Another highlight of the reception was Taiwanese food -- ranging from bubble tea and steamed dumplings to seafood omelets and beef noodles.

"It tastes very different. I like it very much," said Phiwayinkhosi Mabuza, Swaziland's housing and urban development minister.

Over 4,000 foreign dignitaries, local government officials and organization representatives took part in the event that was also attended by the president and vice president.

文章來源: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201410100031.aspx