Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the evening of June 29, President Ma Ying-jeou departed on a trip to visit two of the ROC's allies in Central America—Panama and El Salvador. Prior to boarding his delegation's chartered aircraft, the president delivered brief remarks, expressing hope that this trip would further solidify the ROC's alliances with its allies and strengthen the partnerships that emphasize mutual cooperation and co-prosperity.

In remarks, President Ma stated that plans call for him to visit the Republic of Panama and the Republic of El Salvador during this trip, and this will mark his second visit to these two allies since he took office in 2008. The president mentioned that he and his entourage will stop in Honolulu, Hawaii on both the outbound and return legs for refueling. On his way back to Taiwan, he will also stop in San Francisco, California overnight before arriving back in Taiwan on the evening of July 5.

President Ma stated that in January of this year he attended the inauguration ceremonies for Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, and in early June he appointed Premier Jiang Yi-huah (江宜樺) to serve as his special envoy at the inauguration ceremonies for El Salvador's incoming President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. President Ma said that the purpose of this trip is to attend the inauguration of Panama's President-elect Juan Carlos Varela, thus showing the importance that the ROC places on the alliances with friendly nations.

The president noted that he is expected to fly over 34,000 kilometers over the course of this trip, and while the itinerary will be exhausting, the ROC's friends will see the nation's sincere intent to enhance ties. He also expressed hope that the trip will solidify relationships with allies in Latin America so we can work together for a better future.

Among those at the airport to wish President Ma a pleasant and successful journey were Secretary-General to the President Timothy Chin-Tien Yang (楊進添), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lu Hsiao-jung (陸小榮), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ting Joseph Shih (石定), and Republic of Nauru Ambassador to the ROC Ludwig Dowong Keke, who is the head of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in the ROC.