TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s envoy in Paris Francois Wu (吳志中) will be appointed deputy foreign minister, reports said Tuesday (April 30).

Presidential Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) was announced as the new foreign minister, to take over on May 20. The same day, President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) was to be sworn in, as was the new cabinet, headed by Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰).

Wu, 59, obtained a Ph.D. in political science after studies in Paris. He served as deputy foreign minister from 2016 to 2018 before being named Taiwan’s representative in France.

His familiarity with Europe led to the central government valuing closer relations with the EU, CNA reported. The diplomat was seen as highly effective in forging improved ties with France and in deepening European understanding of Taiwan.

However, because of the Paris Olympics, Wu might not be able to assume his new position at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until September, per UDN.