TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Monday (July 17) that Vice President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to Paraguay to attend the country's presidential inauguration next month.
Speaking at a press conference, Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Yui stressed the importance of Paraguay and Taiwan's 8-year-long diplomatic relationship, adding that both Paraguay's incumbent president Mario Abdo Benitez and the newly-elected president Santiago Pena have extended invitations to Taiwan.
"President Tsai has designated Vice President Lai as a special envoy to lead a delegation and extend our congratulations, highlighting the importance of the eight-year friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay," Yui said.
He explained that the delegation would arrive in Paraguay on Aug. 14 and attend the inauguration ceremony the next day.
Meanwhile, when questioned by the media about whether the transit through the United States would once again receive the ire of China, Yui clarified that it would be unlikely as Lai had done it numerous times in the past as Vice President.
"When traveling to South America or Central America in the past, we have consistently organized transit through the U.S. and will continue to do so now."
This transit through the U.S. would mark the 11th time for Taiwan's Vice President.