BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Now would you look at that?
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen revealed yesterday that His Majesty King Mswati III has been to Taiwan 18 times since he was made King.
The President was speaking during the 55/55 double celebration held at Somhlolo stadium.
“His Majesty the King has visited Taiwan 18 times since his ascension. I have had the pleasure of receiving the King a number of times when he visited Taiwan,” she said.
In addition she highlighted that the King had mentioned that Taiwan had become a home for emaSwati and vice-versa.
“I have been made to feel right at home in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” she added
She then mentioned that, the last time she was in Eswatini in 2018, she received a warm welcome from the citizens and even with this current president she felt the same warmth.
She further mentioned that since she landed in the country, she had witnessed a tremendous growth and development.
Tsai ING Wen said the Republic of China (Taiwan) is proud to have been a proud partner of Eswatini for more than five decades.
The president said Taiwan and Eswatini signed a memorandum (MoU) of understanding for cooperation in women empowerment.
The MoU demonstrates to continue supporting women empowerment, she said Taiwan was setting up a women business start-up finance revolving fund, adding that the fund would assist Indlovukazi in her quest to uplift women in Eswatini.
She lauded Eswatini for continuously supporting Taiwan’s international participation. The president mentioned that last year, the King spoke about Taiwan’s United Nation’s participation during the UN General Assembly, while the prime minister had also done the same.
President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated emaSwati for reaching 55 years of independence. She noted that in 1968, the Republic of China (Taiwan) became one of the first countries to have diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Eswatini. She said for over 55 years, the two countries have enjoyed a good relationship.
