President Tsai to depart for Swaziland on April 17
The Office of the President called a press conference on the afternoon of March 29 to announce that from April 17 to 21, 2018 President Tsai Ing-wen will lead a delegation to the Kingdom of Swaziland, one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Africa. At the press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) explained the trip itinerary.
Minister Wu noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of official Taiwan-Swaziland diplomatic relations, the 50th birthday of Swaziland's King Mswati III, and the 50th anniversary of Swaziland's independence. At the invitation of King Mswati III, President Tsai will lead a delegation on a five-day visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland from April 17 to 21, including four days and three nights in Swaziland.
Minister Wu pointed out that this trip to Swaziland has several purposes. In addition to showing gratitude to the king for his gracious invitation, it will also foster deeper mutual understanding, enhance the bilateral friendship, and provide opportunities for on-site visits to check the status of on-going bilateral cooperation projects.
Minister Wu stated that this will be the first time President Tsai leads a delegation to Africa since she took office. The theme for this trip—"Enduring Partners"—reflects the long-standing partnership between Taiwan and Swaziland. The delegation will take a chartered flight, and include the heads or deputy heads of the National Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various cabinet-level agencies involved in cooperation projects with Swaziland. Members of the Legislative Yuan, representatives of the business community, and journalists will round out the delegation.
Minister Wu mentioned that Swaziland established diplomatic ties with Taiwan soon after achieving its independence in 1968, and the relationship now dates back 50 years. King Mswati III has visited Taiwan 16 times, and Taiwan is currently assisting Swaziland with cooperative projects in healthcare, agriculture, and vocational training. During this trip to Swaziland, in addition to attending various celebrations, President Tsai will visit the Mbabane Government Hospital, where the Taiwan Medical Mission provides assistance, and inspect work being done by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) in the fields of technical and vocational education and training, as well as agriculture. The president will also meet for discussions with representatives from Taiwanese companies in southern Africa to learn about the current status of their African investments and business operations, and dine with overseas compatriots and Taiwanese businesspeople living and working in southern Africa.
Minister Wu pointed out that Taiwan has assisted Swaziland's national development for the past 50 years, and Swaziland has been a staunch supporter of Taiwan. The minister expressed confidence that this trip will further strengthen the two countries' diplomatic relationship, and propel bilateral cooperation to a new level.