President Ma Ying-jeou met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini at the Presidential Office on the morning of April 29 and extended a cordial welcome to him on behalf of the government of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Ma noted that the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1968 after Swaziland gained its independence. The alliance now spans 41 years, and a deep and solid friendship has developed over this period. The two governments maintain frequent contact at the highest levels. For instance, the president said, Prime Minister Dlamini is now on his fifth trip to Taiwan, while Swaziland's King Mswati III has visited Taiwan 11 times. King Mswati III last year made a special trip here to attend the inauguration proceedings for him and Vice President Vincent C. Siew, demonstrating the importance that the government of Swaziland places on the bilateral alliance, the president said. In addition, Vice President Siew last year led a delegation to attend festivities in Swaziland marking the nation's 40th anniversary of independence and King Mswati III's 40th birthday. President Ma expressed his hopes that the two countries will continue to work together in the future to further build the bilateral relationship and friendly ties.
The president told Prime Minister Dlamini that about 10 years ago he began providing financial assistance to a little girl in Swaziland. At the time, the girl was in elementary school. A decade has passed, however, and now this little girl is about to enter university. Last year, arrangements were made through World Vision Taiwan for the girl to visit Taipei. While he and the girl had never met, the president said that he recognized her from the moment he saw her. President Ma said he is thrilled to have established this unforgettable friendship and wishes her the best in her studies and hopes she will make a contribution to Swaziland society in the future.
Prime Minister Dlamini expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also forwarded to President Ma the best regards of King Mswati III and Queen Mother Ntombi. Prime Minister Dlamini said that Swaziland cherishes the bond that has been established between the two countries over the past 41 years and said he looks forward to a continued friendship and even closer cooperative ties in the future.