TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) departed Taoyuan International Airport on Saturday night on a flight to Frankfurt ahead of her participation in the Berlin Freedom Conference.

Tsai arrived at Terminal 1 and boarded China Airlines Flight CI61 at 11:10 p.m. She did not take questions from reporters, offering only a smile and a wave before entering the departure area, per CNA.

She is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on Monday at the Berlin Freedom Conference, which coincides with the inaugural Berlin Freedom Week. The event brings together global democracy advocates and marks the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Tsai wrote on Facebook that diplomacy is a “relay race” that never pauses. She highlighted Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) becoming the first sitting Taiwanese vice president to address the European Parliament, calling it a milestone for Taiwan’s international engagement.

Tsai said she hopes the trip will deepen cooperation between Taiwan and Germany. Echoing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), she said Taiwan is a trustworthy partner that stands with Europe and other like-minded democracies, and she will keep conveying Taiwan’s commitment to defending freedom and democracy throughout her visit.