TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s representative in Slovakia took part in a run and handed out prizes to participants, expanding the Asian country’s reputation at a grassroots level, reports said Wednesday (Oct. 2).

Representative David Lee (李南陽) traveled to the town of Bojnice to take part in the event, per CNA. He described the 5-kilometer run as a form of sports diplomacy increasing mutual understanding.

He emphasized the interest of Taiwanese corporations in the Central European country, naming Foxconn Technology Group as an example. The world’s largest contract maker of electronics goods had donated a TV set as a prize for contestants, Lee said.

While mentioning the importance of technological and economic diplomacy, the envoy said he also valued grassroots contacts because they made the public understand Taiwan’s vitality.

The organizers of the run were interested in continuing cooperation with the representative office, while Lee said there would be plans for a diverse range of activities to show Taiwan’s creative side and innovative spirit.