TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet-level Veterans Affairs Council will post an envoy in Washington, D.C., in January, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told visiting members of the United States Congress Friday (Nov. 26).

The delegation included House of Representatives Democrats Mark Takano, Elissa Slotkin, Colin Allred, and Sara Jacobs and Republican Nancy Mace. Takano chairs the House’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

Meeting Tsai at the Presidential Office, the delegation responded by saying visits from U.S. officials would become more common, CNA reported. Takano noted that his group’s trip to Taiwan was the third so far this year by U.S. members of Congress.

He added that this trip is intended to remind allies in the Indo-Pacific region that even after the two difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility for freedom and security is stronger than ever.

Takano said Taiwan is a model, not just because of its performance combating the coronavirus but also because of its generous assistance to the U.S., 15 diplomatic allies, and many other countries. He described Taiwan as a successful democracy, a reliable partner, and a force for good, according to CNA.