Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu is leading a nine-member delegation on a tour of El Salvador and Belize July 12-17 to deepen the friendships and bolster political and economic exchanges with the Central American allies.
 
During his four-day stay in El Salvador, Wu is scheduled to meet with President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, Vice President Oscar Samuel Ortiz Ascencio and Legislative Assembly President Norman Noel Quijano Gonzalez to discuss current cooperative projects and future opportunities for collaboration.
 
The minister will deliver a letter to Sanchez Ceren from President Tsai Ing-wen congratulating the nation on the scheduled canonization of Archbishop of San Salvador Oscar Romero Oct. 14, and host a ceremony for Taiwan Scholarship recipients.
 
Wu is also scheduled to hold talks with Central American Integration System (SICA) Secretary-General Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo and review results from Taiwan’s ongoing initiatives with the San Salvador-headquartered intergovernmental organization.
 
Taiwan and SICA have worked together closely since its establishment in 1991, implementing joint development programs in areas spanning agriculture, climate change management, democracy and security, economic integration, education, medical care and talent cultivation. To date, more than 120 cooperative projects have been completed, benefiting people throughout the region, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
After arriving in Belize July 16, Wu is expected to meet with Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow as well as Lee Mark Chang, president of the Senate, and Omar Figueroa, deputy president of the House of Representatives. He will also tour the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System to explore possibilities for collaboration in environmental protection.
 
The same day, Wu will receive the Order of Distinction from Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington in recognition of his efforts to deepen bilateral ties and promote people-to-people exchanges. The prestigious honor is awarded to foreign officials or other individuals in recognition of their valuable services and contributions to the Central American nation.
 
This is Wu’s first official overseas tour since becoming foreign minister in February. (KWS-E)
 
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw