President Tsai wraps up Latin America visit

2016/07/04

President Tsai Ing-wen departed Paraguay June 30, successfully concluding the second leg of an official nine-day visit to Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies Panama and Paraguay.

Tsai, abroad for the first time since taking office in May, thanked Paraguay’s President Horacio Cartes and the people of the South American nation for their hospitality and said the three-day stay helped bring her up to speed on the latest developments in bilateral economic and political relations, as well as deepen exchanges between the two sides.

“Although Taiwan and Paraguay are geographically distant, they share the same values and a strong desire to build a better future for the people,” she said during a farewell reception hosted by Cartes in the capital Asuncion. “We will work closely with Paraguay in continuing to strengthen democracy, peace and the rule of law.”

According to Tsai, Paraguay’s praiseworthy economic growth last year highlights its enormous potential and the many opportunities for enhanced two-way economic and trade cooperation. “In addition to the private-sector representatives accompanying me on this visit, more Taiwan entrepreneurs will be given information about the business environment in Paraguay,” she said.

Tsai led a delegation comprising officials, businesspeople and media members to attend the June 26 inauguration ceremony of the Canal expansion project at the invitation of Panama President Juan Carlos Varela. She took the opportunity to visit Paraguay, addressing the congress and reviewing bilateral cooperation projects.

During a news conference with the Taiwan media contingent earlier June 30, Tsai explained the difference between her down-to-earth diplomacy and the previous administration’s approach.

“While the latter had its origins in the 1990s, Taiwan now faces a different international situation and must go forward step by step on solid ground to overcome various diplomatic challenges,” she said. “We also seek to develop concrete, substantial relations of complementary cooperation with our diplomatic allies in a mutually beneficial fashion.”

Regarding the results of the Latin America visit, Tsai said she has a better understanding of the diplomatic allies’ concerns and current situations. In addition, mutual trust with the leaders of Panama and Paraguay is strengthened on the back of in-depth exchanges between policymakers.

Tsai will stopover in the U.S. city of Los Angeles before arriving July 2 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=245975&ctNode=2194&mp=9)