President Tsai meets delegation led by Swaziland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mgwagwa Gamedze
On the morning of December 12, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Swaziland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mgwagwa Gamedze. The president said that Taiwan will be an active partner in Swaziland's development, and hopes to continue expanding cooperation and deepening the friendship between the two countries.
In remarks, President Tsai first welcomed Minister Gamedze and his delegation to Taiwan. Noting that the minister just came to Taiwan this past March with Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, the president said she was delighted to see him again so soon. She then extended a sincere welcome on behalf of the people of Taiwan.
The Kingdom of Swaziland is Taiwan's loyal ally, the president said, adding that the two countries enjoy stable and warm diplomatic relations. She stated that this was Minister Gamedze's ninth visit to Taiwan, and that these frequent exchanges and reciprocal visits reflect a close friendship.
President Tsai mentioned that Swaziland's King Mswati III will celebrate his 50th birthday next year, and that the coming year will also mark the 50th anniversary of Swaziland's independence, as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Swaziland. It will therefore be a very significant year, said the president, who asked Minister Gamedze to tell King Mswati III that he is especially welcome to visit Taiwan.
President Tsai stressed that Taiwan greatly values its friendship with Swaziland, and noted that during this visit, Minister Gamedze and Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs David T. Lee (李大維) would sign an agreement to further enhance bilateral cooperation in many fields. In the future, she said, Taiwan will be an active partner in Swaziland's development.
The president also pointed out that a delegation from Taiwan Glass Industry Corporation (TGI) traveled to Swaziland this past June to study business opportunities and discuss investments. We will continue encouraging TGI to invest in Swaziland, and will also work to improve bilateral economic and trade relations, she said, adding that Taiwan will strengthen cooperation with Swaziland based on mutual assistance for mutual benefits.
President Tsai said she was pleased to hear that Swaziland's Royal Science and Technology Park would be completed soon, and that construction of the International Convention Centre was proceeding smoothly. She also said she felt confident that these two major projects will enable Swaziland to attract more foreign investments and further spur its economy. The president then indicated that Taiwan would be more than happy to share its development experience to help King Mswati III achieve his vision for Swaziland.
And lastly, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, President Tsai thanked Swaziland for speaking up for Taiwan at international meetings and supporting Taiwan's right to international participation. She also expressed hope that Taiwan and Swaziland can continue to expand cooperation and further deepen their friendship, and asked Minister Gamedze to pass along her best regards to the King and Queen Mother.