Former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) arrived in Brussels, Belgium Friday. There she became the first Taiwanese former head of state to visit the European Parliament, where she was invited to deliver a speech in the reception salon.

After the event, Tsai took to social media to express gratitude over the deep support for Taiwan she felt during her visit. Tsai said that Taiwan and Europe make good partners in facing global challenges in part because of their shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Taiwan has proven a society rooted in freedom and democratic values can stand up against enormous challenges, and authoritarian coercion. Further, it has become an important, trustworthy partner in strengthening the international supply chain, and thereby global economic security.

The former president also expressed the hope that Taiwan’s European friends would continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. She hopes the world’s democratic societies will unite against the threats to regional stability, such as China’s attempts to change the status quo through maritime and airspace incursions.

Finally, Tsai once again thanked her European friends, and the Taiwanese people for their support, which has enabled Taiwan not only to shine on the world stage, but to do so with its head held high.