BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini praises the Republic of China (Taiwan) for holding successful presidential elections back in January this year.
The Prime Minister made his remarks when addressing the media in that country after his arrival to embark on his working visit. He has been invited by the Taiwanese Government, under the leadership of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen.
“It would be remiss of me to let this opportunity slide, without having to congratulate your great Nation for the successful Presidential Elections conducted in January. The watching world witnessed an unfolding of the collective will of the People of Taiwan – and congratulations are in order to our friend Taiwan,” Dlamini said.
“We salute Taiwan for the democratic, peaceful, free and fair elections procedure.” The Premier further praised President Tsai Ing-wen for standing firm, as she guided Taiwan during her eight-year tenure in that country’s higher office. He also congratulated Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai Ching-te, who is also Taiwan’s incoming President, for having won the January presidential elections.
“We salute Her Excellency President Tsai for the resolute and suave manner in which she has guided Taiwan during her tenure in Presidency. We salute His Excellency the Vice President and President-Elect William Lai for his win and we also wish him an amazing term in Presidency from the month of May onwards,” he said.
Dlamini had started his address by describing the visit as an emotional moment for him and he was truly moved by the warmth and exceptional arrangements put in place for his arrival in Taiwan, which he described as an amazing country. “Thank you for the cordial welcome, and I hope to make pleasant memories of my stay here in Taiwan,” he said.
He said on this occasion of his visit, he carried the collective goodwill and hereby also extended fraternal greetings from His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government and the amazing people of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
He shared that in the past than 24hrs, he traversed the great distance that lied between the two capitals of Eswatini and Taiwan, with the solemn belief that both our countries had every reason to regard this visit as a useful contribution to the reaffirmation of Eswatini’s diplomatic commitment to Taiwan, for the mutual benefit of the natives of both countries.
“Most importantly, today marks a visit which is more momentous for Eswatini because it represents the coming together of two partners who are sentient of their commitment, based on mutual understanding and cooperation. A commitment of more than 55years between our two countries definitely means we come a long way – and today I wish to assure Taiwan that it is still incumbent upon Eswatini to display greater determination and consistency in this regard,” he said.
