President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of May 20 met with Kingdom of Swaziland King Mswati III and his wife, who have led a delegation to Taiwan to take part in the inauguration of the twelfth-term president and vice president. President Ma extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
President Ma said that he is extremely pleased to see King Mswati III, who is one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Africa and who traveled 14 hours by plane to attend the inauguration. The president pointed out that this is the 12th visit to Taiwan by King Mswati III, adding that Taiwan is fortunate to have such a good friend who continues to work to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries. President Ma stressed that Taiwan and Swaziland have friendly ties that date back many years. The two countries also maintain a number of cooperation projects. He said he hopes these projects will continue to move ahead and even be expanded in the future.
President Ma said that about nine years ago he began providing financial assistance to a girl from Swaziland by the name of Nelisiwe Maphalala. He said the girl recently had the opportunity to come to Taiwan as a member of a chorus. Even though the two had never seen each other, President Ma said that he recognized her at first sight. Nelisiwe, who is now almost 19 years old, told him that after she learned that he was elected president, she prayed for him, asking that god protect him as he governed Taiwan. President Ma said he was extremely moved by the remarks the girl made.
King Mswati III expressed his congratulations to President Ma on behalf of the government and people of Swaziland. He said that while there exists a considerable geographic distance between the two nations, Taiwan and Swaziland maintain a deep and solid alliance. He pledged that the Swaziland government and people in the future will continue to fully support Taiwan's participation in the international community. King Mswati III expressed his admiration for Taiwan's political and economic achievements. He also thanked Taiwan for providing resources and personnel to assist in his nation's development.
President Ma responded by saying that cooperation projects between the two countries can be expanded. He specifically mentioned student, artist and engineer exchange programs, which help to foster interaction among young people. These opportunities help to generate mutual learning, he said.
King Mswati III was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Y. F. Chu. Also in attendance was National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi.