According to media reports, former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is set to embark on an eight-day trip to the Czech Republic and two other unnamed European countries starting October 12. Ahead of her departure, she visited the Presidential Residence on Sunday to meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), marking their first public appearance together since the May 20 handover.
President Lai said he strongly supported Tsai’s visit, emphasizing its importance for enhancing Taiwan’s international visibility and solidifying Taiwan-Europe relations. He welcomed her at the residence and acknowledged the strong foundation she had built during her eight years in office.
During their hour-long meeting, Lai and Tsai covered various topics, including diplomacy, defense, and international cooperation. Lai aims to foster a robust presence with the global community by assembling a strong diplomatic team, showcasing Taiwan’s capabilities. In response, Tsai affirmed his commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s resilience.
To facilitate Tsai’s trip, Lai has instructed the National Security Council (NSC) and the Foreign Ministry to provide support and treat the visit as a special diplomatic project. Tsai’s trusted aide, NSC advisor Alex Huang (黃重諺), will also accompany the former president on her journey.