TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – On the second day of their visit to Taiwan, US Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker and ranking member Senator Deb Fischer visited the Ministry of National Defense on Saturday.

The two Republicans started the day at a breakfast meeting with legislators from the three major parties, per CNA. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) had received them at the Presidential Office Building on Friday, followed by a dinner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During their visit to the Ministry of National Defense, Wicker told Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) that their trip showed Congress valued Taiwan’s security, the Liberty Times reported. The two countries will stand together in the defense of democracy and freedom, he said.

In response, Koo emphasized the significance of Wicker’s trip, being the first chair of the US Senate Armed Services Committee to have visited Taiwan since 2016. He also mentioned how Wicker had noted the crucial role Taiwan played in safeguarding US wealth and security.

The senator also wanted the US government to speed up the delivery of key weapons systems to Taiwan, Koo said, according to a ministry statement. It was thanks to Wicker that Taiwan was able to continue improving its defense capabilities in the face of Chinese threats, the minister added.

At a dinner Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hoped the senators would continue to help Taiwan develop its relations with third countries, per CNA. Their tour also includes Taiwan ally Palau and the Philippines.