On behalf of President Ma Ying-jeou, Vice President Vincent Siew, his wife and few other important figures, are flying out to meet the leaders of our two diplomatic allies, Paraguay and Panama.

Siew will be in attendance to celebrate Paraguay's 200th anniversary since gaining its independence from Spain. Siew said that the stop is extremely significant because it is also Taiwan's centennial anniversary.

At the airport, foreign ministry officials and foreign ambassadors to Taiwan sent off Vice President Vincent Siew, who is visiting Central America.

It is the first time that vice president Siew visits Paraguay and Panama as a special envoy sent by President Ma.

The vice president says it is a meaningful trip.

The delegation led by vice president includes foreign minister Yang Ching-tien, senior presidential advisor Chan Chi-hsien, presidential consultant Wang Lin-hui as well as officials from Ministry of Economic Affairs and business leaders.

The delegation is expected to transit in Los Angeles and New York and returns to Taiwan before May 20th.