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On the morning of March 27, President Tsai Ing-wen, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, welcomed a delegation from the Kingdom of Swaziland led by Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, and expressed hope for further enhancement of bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
In remarks, the president noted that this visit by Prime Minister Dlamini and his delegation, representing King Mswati III of Swaziland, marks the eighth time the prime minister has visited Taiwan. Last May King Mswati III led a group to Taiwan to attend President Tsai's inauguration. The King was accompanied at that time by Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi Dlamini and by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mgwagwa Gamedze. In addition, one month after her inauguration, President Tsai met with Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. The frequency of interactions between the two countries, the president said, demonstrates that the bilateral friendship is strong and close.
The president remarked that the two countries are nearing half a century of diplomatic relations, with the 50th anniversary coming up in 2018. Swaziland has continually been Taiwan's staunchest ally in Africa. The ROC government places great importance on the friendship with Swaziland and looks forward to further enhancing bilateral cooperation and solidifying the relationship between the two countries.
President Tsai also noted that in late August of 2016, Swaziland successfully hosted the 36th Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In addition, the King succeeded to the post of Third Vice-Chairperson of the African Union. From these facts one can see the stature and importance of Swaziland and King Mswati III in Africa, and the great esteem in which all African nations hold them.
The president then expressed her gratitude for Swaziland's continuous support for Taiwan's international participation. In particular, Prime Minister Dlamini has, on behalf of King Mswati III, spoken up on behalf of justice for Taiwan in a number of different venues, including the General Assembly of the United Nations.
President Tsai also mentioned that in 2020 Swaziland will host the African Union Summit. She expressed confidence that going forward and in terms of the two countries' international participation, Taiwan and Swaziland will be able to work together as proactive partners in line with the principle of "steadfast diplomacy". The essence of "steadfast diplomacy" is sharing and cooperation. We hope, she said, that through substantive bilateral discussions, the two sides will together move forward toward mutual assistance for mutual benefits in the areas of economy and trade, culture, education, health care, and agriculture.
President Tsai emphasized that in the future Taiwan will not only continue to uphold the principle of "steadfast diplomacy" and continue to cooperate with Swaziland, but will also take the two sides' markets and industries into account in planning cooperative programs, so that the citizens of both countries will benefit. In April, King Mswati III will celebrate his birthday and ROC Foreign Minister David Lee (李大維) will represent Taiwan at the celebrations. The president took the opportunity to wish the King a long life, while also expressing her hope that the current visiting delegation would have a smooth and productive visit.
Guests meeting with President Tsai also included Swaziland's Ambassador to the ROC Thamie Dlamini.
