President Tsai Ing-wen has departed on a visit to Panama and Paraguay, two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies.
This is Tsai’s first overseas trip since she took office as president in May.
Before boarding the chartered plane on Friday, Tsai said the trip aims to raise Taiwan’s profile in the international community. She also said she wants to boost the confidence of Taiwanese businesspeople, diplomats and NGO workers on the frontlines.
“I want to let everyone know that solidarity is of vital importance to diplomacy. The government will not let [them] fight alone. We will coordinate resources and work hard on the diplomatic front," said Tsai.
The president said her trip also seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s trade ties with Central and South American countries.
A notable part of Tsai’s first overseas trip will be a ceremony to inaugurate an expansion of the Panama Canal.