TAOYUAN, Taiwan (TVBS News) — Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was greeted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu at the airport as she arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday (May 16) evening for a 5-day trip.
The former British leader voiced her excitement at finally being able to visit, as she could not do so as Prime Minister.
"It's been a trip that I've wanted to do for some time," she said, before continuing, "I haven't been able to as I've been in the UK government, but I'm now very pleased to be able to come to this free democracy at this absolutely vital time for the world."
In her short statement at the airport, Truss also acknowledged the daily threats Taiwan faces as a democracy with a shaky foothold on the global stage.
"We know that free societies are under threat as they have never been before," she said.
"That is why I'm so pleased to be here, at the frontier of freedom, to work with my friends in the Taiwan authorities, as well as the people of Taiwan, to see this thriving democracy in action."
The former UK Prime Minister will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday and deliver a speech.
The visit marks the first time in 27 years that a former British leader has visited Taiwan, following the late Margaret Thatchers' visits in 1992 and 1996.
