BY KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the deepening and strengthening of relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
His Majesty reiterated the Kingdom’s support when holding bilateral talks with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office here on Tuesday before witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Central Bank of Eswatini and its Taiwan counterparts and that of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority to promote digitalisation.
The King started by congratulating President Lai for winning the elections, which were declared free and fair by international observers.
He said the people of Taiwan have enjoyed democracy for decades, making it a true shining beacon for the global community.
“This visit, Your Excellency, gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our support for the continuity of the relationship between the people of Eswatini and Taiwan. Friendship, mutual respect, and productive cooperation form the foundation of the ties that bind our two countries,” His Majesty the King said.
He said that as they stand on the cusp of a new chapter in Taiwan’s history after the president’s inauguration, it gave him the privilege to reflect on the strong and enduring partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan and envision the bright future that lies ahead for the two nations.
“Eswatini will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in international organisations and mechanisms, including United Nations agencies.
“We are optimistic about the future of our partnership, and Eswatini is committed to working closely with you to strengthen our nations’ ties. Together, we can achieve great things for our people and our countries’ prosperity.
“Thank you, President Lai, for your astute leadership and your commitment to our enduring friendship,” the King said.
He said he was looking forward to further opportunities for continued cooperation between the two countries, particularly at the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve facility.
The King said the development of that facility represents a significant step towards achieving energy sovereignty for Eswatini, and the country is grateful for Taiwan’s support in this endeavour.
“The people of Eswatini are confident that our collaboration in this area will yield positive outcomes for both of our countries and contribute to Eswatini’s long-term energy security.
“Today’s signing of the memorandum of understanding will strengthen our cooperation, especially between the Eswatini Central Bank and its counterpart in this great country and in advancing the business digitalization project.
“We are pleased that this support will not only help establish a mobile version of the “buy Eswatini” digital business platform,” the King said.
His Majesty said the platform will also facilitate the training of the country’s youth to serve as seed teachers for business digitalisation and leverage it to upgrade their business models.
COMMENDS STRIDES MADE UNDER PRESIDENT TSAI
His Majesty the King has commended the tremendous strides the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) made during the tenure of President Tsai Ing-wen.
“Under your predecessor, our bilateral relations have flourished across multiple domains.
The gains made in trade relations have been significant, fostering economic growth and prosperity for both our countries.
“We commend your predecessor, President Tsai, for her insightful leadership over the past eight years, which has deepened Taiwan’s democracy and significantly contributed to its growth. We envy the massive development that we always realise when we come to Taiwan, even on this 19th visit to your country,” the King said.
He said he hopes that under President Lai’s leadership, the two countries will continue to strengthen and expand upon these trade ties, exploring new avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.
His Majesty appreciated the strides made in rural electrification, health cooperation, and agricultural support that have brought tangible improvements to the lives of Emaswati.
“Your government’s commitment to these initiatives has been commendable and I am confident that we can build upon these successes to further enhance the well-being of our people.
“We also wish to express our gratitude for Taiwan’s backing in empowering women through micro-finance initiatives. Programmes such as the women business startup micro-finance revolving fund have been instrumental in promoting gender equality and economic empowerment in Eswatini,” the King noted.
INVITES PRESIDENT TO VISIT ESWATINI
His Majesty the King has invited the 16th-term President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, to visit the Kingdom of Eswatini once he has settled down.
The King personally extended this invitation when holding bilateral talks with the new president, who was inaugurated on Monday in what was a colourful ceremony.
“Your Excellency, once you have settled down, we hope you will honour us by visiting the Kingdom of Eswatini so that we can further strengthen our cooperation and also reciprocate the good hospitality we have received since we have been here in Taiwan.
“Rest assured that you have a true and trusted friend on the African continent, because we are an ally that will continue to support you in all your global endeavours. May our partnership continue to thrive and flourish in the years to come,” His Majesty the King said.
