TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – An estimated 51 foreign delegations with 508 members will attend the May 20 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Friday (May 17).

Since the Jan. 13 elections, 22 groups with a total of 179 members have already visited Taiwan to express their congratulations with the country’s next leaders, MOFA said in a statement. Eight of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies are sending their head of state or head of government.

The guestlist includes King Mswati III of Eswatini, Taiwan’s only ally in Africa; President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay, the only ally in South America; President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands; and President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau. The prime ministers John Briceno of Belize, Philip Pierre of Saint Lucia, Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Feleti Penitala Teo of Tuvalu will also be attending.

MOFA also named Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley of Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez of Guatemala. The Vatican is planning to send a special envoy, according to MOFA.

The United States, Canada, and Singapore are also sending delegations, while legislators are expected from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The foreign guests have been invited to attend a dinner and a welcome reception on the eve of the inauguration, with the ceremonies on May 20, and the official banquet in Tainan City later that day.