TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told a visiting parliamentary delegation from Sweden Tuesday (April 12) she hopes there can be direct commercial airline flights between the two countries.

The discussions occurred by video conference, as the president is undergoing a period of isolation at her official residence following an April 4 family dinner attended by a person later diagnosed with COVID-19.

During her talk with the Swedish visitors, Tsai said she hoped the two countries could sign an air agreement to start direct flights, CNA reported. She emphasized the move would allow for more trade and economic exchanges.

Over the past few years, the bilateral relationship has already seen progress on climate change, gender equality, economic empowerment of women, and the fight against fake news, according to the president.

The Swedish delegation is led by Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association member Boriana Aberg and Member of the European Parliament Charlie Weimers. Tsai lauded the Swedish legislators for their efforts promoting resolutions in favor of relations with Taiwan while defending common values in the face of a growing authoritarian threat.