President Ma Ying-jeou has arrived in Hawaii en route to Panama. He was greeted onboard by the chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Raymond Burghardt, who boarded the plane during a fueling stop in Honolulu.

AIT is the top US body in charge of Taiwan relations in the absence of official diplomatic ties.

During his flight, the president said that he’s very happy that the “viable diplomacy” he has been implementing since 2008 is now showing results. He said that according to an online survey, the Republic of China passport, which is used by Taiwanese travelers, is very useful around the world.

“We have only 22 allies, but there are 140 countries that grant Taiwanese nationals visa-free entry," said Ma. "This is a sign that Taiwan and the Taiwanese people are gaining more respect around the world. This is the one thing since I became president, of which I’m most proud.”

This is the first leg of Ma's trip to Panama, where he will attend the inauguration of President-elect Juan Carlos Varela on July 1. He will then travel to El Salvador.

Both Panama and El Salvador have diplomatic ties with the Republic of China on Taiwan.

This is President Ma's tenth overseas trip since taking office in May, 2008. He is scheduled to return to Taiwan late on July 6.