… as President Tsai congratulates Emaswati and His Majesty
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LOBAMBA – “History brought us together and our warm friendship and mutual will have kept us together this 55 years.”
These were the words of the President of the Republic of China Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen, when speaking at the 55/55 Double Celebrations at Somhlolo National Stadium. President Tsai briefly revisited the 55-year history of diplomatic relations between Eswatini and Taiwan and wished the nation goodwill going forward.
Following are the President Tsai Ing-wen’s remarks:
I brought you the greetings from the people of Taiwan. It is a true honour to be here again in Eswatini, and for such an auspicious occasion, that is the double celebration of the 55th year of Eswatini’s Independence, and the 55th birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III. On this important day, I wish a sincere congratulations to all Emaswati.
Indeed, it is an important day for both of our countries. Shortly after this day in 1968, the Republic of China Taiwan became one of the first diplomatic allies of the newly independent Swaziland. History brought us together and our warm friendship and mutual will have kept us together this 55 years.
Over that time, our relationship has only grown closer. His Majesty has visited Taiwan.
I recall his visit last year, he said that Taiwan has become, for him and other Emaswati, a home away from home. It is my pleasure to echoe that sentiment, as I have been made to feel at home right here in Eswatini. I still have fond memories of my first visit to Eswatini in April 2018. The hospitality of your people, the warmth and joy, are just as pleasant to me now as they were then. Now, five years later, being able to stand in your beautiful country again and witness Eswatini’s growth and development, I have great pride for everything you and your people have accomplished, and how you have overcome difficult circumstances.
Throughout it all, we have been proud to be an important partner to Eswatini. For more than five decades, this partnership has been the epitome of progress and development. Our collaboration on rural electrification has been so successful that Eswatini is now the second most electrified country in Africa.
With 82% of people having access to electricity, at the Sibaya held just this past July, His Majesty the King even noted that with such levels of electrification, now everything is in the light, and I am confident for an even brighter future for Eswatini. As close friends, we share similar goals for the future, we both care deeply about young people and their education, which form the bedrock of any society. Taiwan has welcomed many students from Eswatini to study at our universities, it is wonderful to see that many of these students are returning home, contributing to society, and helping to prepare the next generation of professionals.
Another issue close to my heart is gender equality and women’s empowerment, so I’m very happy to have a kindred spirit here in Her Majesty the Queen Mother, who is doing her most to raise the level of economic empowerment for women in Eswatini. To this end, Taiwan and Eswatini signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on women’s empowerment in 2019, in an effort to give women more access to the financial services they need to succeed. To continue this meaningful cooperation, Taiwan will be assisting in setting up a women business startup programme to uplift the women in Eswatini.
I must also take the opportunity to thank Eswatini for supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organization. Last year, His Majesty the King once again spoke up for Taiwan’s meaningful participation at the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister Dlamini has also voiced strong support for Taiwan on the international stage.
On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I thank you for your support, now and in the future – thank you.
Once again, I wish His Majesty the King a most Happy Birthday, and I offer my congratulations on the 55th anniversary of your country’s independence. I must also congratulate Taiwan and Eswatini on our 55th year of our diplomatic relations. Now, here is to setting and surpassing new milestones on our way to a century of friendship. Siyabonga, thank you!
