U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach is visiting Taiwan for a memorial service for former president Lee Teng-hui, but the new bilateral economic dialogue, widely expected to take place, will not be held during his three-day stay in Taipei.

The U.S. State Department announced the trip on Wednesday, without mentioning the economic talks.

“The United States honors President Lee’s legacy by continuing our strong bonds with Taiwan and its vibrant democracy through shared political and economic values,” said the department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus in a statement.

“Taiwan and the United States are still in talks on the form, possible topics and potential schedule for the U.S.-Taiwan Economic and Commercial Dialogue,” said Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s top envoy to the U.S., the Central News Agency reports.

According to Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, both sides are still having discussion in preparation for the historic dialogue, given its wide implications.

Krach arrived at the self-ruled island at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The top diplomat will be speaking to Premier Su Tseng-chang and Vice Premier Shen Jong-chin at the Executive Yuan on Friday before meeting President Tsai Ying-wen. On Saturday, Krach will represent the U.S. government to attend the memorial service for the late president at Aletheia University before departing in the afternoon.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang welcomed the visiting delegate on behalf of the Taiwanese government. The visit shows that the two countries are solid partners that share the same democratic values, Chang continued. Taiwan hopes that the trip will allow more exchange and discussion between the two sides and pave the way for the strengthening of bilateral economic ties.

Krach marks the highest-ranking U.S. State Department official to visit Taiwan since Washington broke off diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979. His diplomatic visit came shortly after that of Health Secretary Alex Azar in August. The visit is expected to be a low profile one and most talks will be conducted behind closed doors.

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