TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan appointed the foreign ministry’s former director of west Asian and African affairs as its new ambassador to the Vatican on Friday.

Anthony Chung-Yi Ho (賀忠義) was appointed to the role and his predecessor Matthew S.M. Lee (李世明) was removed by presidential decree, per CNA. The foreign ministry did not give a reason for the change except to say that all of its personnel decisions are made considering an individual’s performance, experience, and suitability for the position.

The foreign ministry said it expects Ho’s experience and connections will consolidate diplomatic ties with the Vatican and deepen exchanges. It noted that Ho formerly served as Taiwan’s representative to South Africa, and has been stationed in the US and the Philippines.

The change comes after Taiwan’s former Vice-President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) traveled to the Vatican on Wednesday and thanked Lee for his service. Chen also prayed for the ailing Pope Francis.

The Vatican is one of Taiwan’s 11 remaining formal diplomatic allies. It is the only country in Europe that has formal relations with Taiwan.