Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Monday that he would like to make an official visit to Swaziland if the opportunity permits.
Chen make the remark while meeting visiting Swaziland Prince Masitsela Dlamini, who first visited Taiwan more than 20 years ago in his capacity as interior minister.
Chen said the ROC greatly treasures its friendship with Swaziland, which has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan for 32 years.
He added that Swaziland has always supported the ROC's bid to join the United Nations, for which he expressed gratitude.
He noted that it has been more than 20 years since Masitsela Dlamini first visited Taiwan and that during this period, the country has made great progress in many aspects. Chen said he hopes the prince can experience Taiwan's progress in his current visit and see how Taiwan has emerged from the shadow of the devastating earthquake of Sept. 21 last year.
The president also pointed out that over the past 32 years, the ROC and Swaziland have maintained close relations and frequent exchanges, and also revealed that he established sisterhood ties between Taipei and the capital of Swaziland during his capacity as Taipei City mayor.
Chen reiterated his desire to officially visit Swaziland and his hope that the African country's King Mswati III can visit Taipei again to further promote the cooperative ties between the two countries.