Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is heading to Europe for her first overseas trip since leaving office in May.

The presidential office announced on Monday that Tsai will visit the Czech Republic and other European countries from Saturday.

A presidential spokesperson said in a statement that President Lai Ching-te wishes her a successful visit and hopes that relations between Taiwan and Europe will deepen and grow closer.

Tsai's office says she will give an address at a forum on democracy in the Czech capital of Prague.

The Central European country maintains diplomatic relations with China, but not Taiwan. However, it keeps a certain distance from Beijing over human rights and other issues.

The Czech Republic is seeking closer ties with Taiwan, which is a leader in the semiconductor sector.

Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim visited the country in March, shortly before she assumed office.

The Lai administration is believed to be trying to deepen relations with Europe through Tsai's visit. Both Lai and Tsai are members of the Democratic Progressive Party.