President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 20 that her state visit to Paraguay and Belize was a success and underscores the government’s commitment to broadening Taiwan’s engagement with the world.
This nine-day trip reflects the enduring friendships between Taiwan and the allies in South and Central America, Tsai said. At the same time, it spotlights the value of front-line efforts by the country’s technical missions in advancing agriculture, education and medical care development abroad, she added.
The president made the remarks upon deplaning at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan. It was her fifth official overseas visit since taking office in May 2016.
During Tsai’s stay in Paraguay Aug. 14-16, she attended the inauguration of President Mario Abdo Benitez after meeting with him the day before at his private residence to discuss ways of deepening and expanding bilateral relations. She also held talks with heads of states attending the ceremony such as President Jimmy Morales and Vice President Olga Alvarado of Central American allies Guatemala and Honduras, respectively.
While in Belize Aug. 16-18, Tsai met with Governor-General Colville Young and Prime Minister Dean Barrow to identify new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as addressed a special joint session of the Belize National Assembly.
The president took the opportunity to express her gratitude for Paraguay’s and Belize’s support of government efforts to secure a bigger role for Taiwan in multilateral organizations, adding that the country will never buckle under the weight of adversity.
No amount of pressure can dampen the people’s desire to engage with the world, Tsai said, adding that Taiwan will continue working with like-minded countries in promoting freedom, democracy and prosperity for the benefit of all. (SFC-E)
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