BY KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS
Taipei, Taiwan: The Republic of China on Taiwan’s President-elect, Lai Ching-te, has urged their international friends to continue to push for their participation in global affairs.
Lai was speaking at a welcome reception for delegations to the Inauguration Ceremony for the 16thTerm term president and vice president held at the Taipei Guest House on Sunday evening.
“I anticipate that Taiwan will continue to have all your help in terms of maintaining regional peace, developing our economy and international participation, on which we will rely on your strong support,” he said.
The President-elect Lai will be sworn in this morning as the 16th President of the Republic of China on Taiwan and also as the Commander in-Chief alongside his vice president Bi-Kim Hsiao in a ceremony to be attended by His Majesty King Mswati III.
Accompanying His Majesty the King are Inkhosikati LaFogiyane, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu, Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Prince Hlangabeza, Princess Tsandzile, Emazinyane, Chief Officer Magwagwa Gamedze and Libandla.
“I would like to congratulate all our esteemed guests who came from afar to offer their congratulations to us and used concrete actions to support Taiwan. For that, we are truly grateful. Tomorrow’s peaceful transfer of power is a milestone for Taiwan’s democracy. It is a solid foundation made by the people of Taiwan over decades,” Lai said.
He said that in the past, Taiwan went through a dictatorship and was an economically undeveloped country; their society was relatively closed. However, over the past decades, with the efforts of the people of Taiwan, it has transformed into a democratic society backed by a vibrant economy and a society that embraces diverse values.
“All of that is due to the efforts of the Taiwanese people.” Not just that, but also thanks to the support from all our friends. Once again, thank you all for your strong support,” the president-elect said.
“Moving forward, I will work with the vice president to build upon the solid foundation created by President Tsai Ing-wen over the past eight years. Together, we will continue to walk the path of democracy and engage with the world to make Taiwan stronger.
“We will continue to deepen Taiwan’s democracy and continue to make its economy world-class. In addition, we will also play a key role in becoming a force in maintaining stability in the region,” he said.
Lai said he was looking forward to the new government continuing to enjoy their partners and friends’ support in the future.
MINISTER WU BOWS OUT
Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan’s outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Wu bid farewell to international guests comprising ministers, ambassadors and dignitaries at Taipei’s Guest House, where the President Elect hosted a welcome banquet ahead of his inauguration ceremony on Monday morning.
“My wife and I are greatly honoured to host you in the final moments of my role as foreign affairs minister. My job is simply to introduce you to our president-elect, William Lai, and deputy president-elect, Bi-Kim Hsiao.
“They will be head of state and vice president as of tomorrow (Monday) after winning a competitive yet free and fair election in January this year,” he said.
The outgoing foreign affairs minister said thousands of political leaders around the world, including many here, have publicly congratulated Taiwan for going through a democratic process and demonstrated that they are indeed a shining beacon of democracy.
“This is something we are proud of and ready to celebrate. The inauguration is another milestone in our democratic achievements. President Tsai Ing-wen will step down as prescribed by our constitution and president-elect William Lai will be formerly sworn in as president and commander-in-chief. The peaceful transfer of power is another statement of Taiwan’s way of life,” Wu said.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Taiwan president-elect Lai Ching-te yesterday morning hosted His Majesty the King and other visiting leaders from the country’s diplomatic allies to a shrimp fishing event.
Lai described the event as offering a relaxing atmosphere Taiwanese style for the guests ahead of the presidential inauguration today. His Majesty the King proved to be the best shrimp fisherman of the event.
