Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of April 17, President Tsai Ing-wen departed on a state visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland, one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Africa. The theme of this trip is "Taiwan and Swaziland: Enduring Partners." In remarks before boarding the plane, the president explained the key objectives of this visit. She stressed that the government is confident, and determined to safeguard Taiwan's national security. During this trip, she said, the nation's administrative and national security teams will be at their posts, closely monitoring any developments in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding area. She asked citizens to rest assured that ongoing reform efforts and development projects will proceed on schedule and as planned.

The following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks:

Last week we reached the end of a phase in handling a lot of important domestic issues. So we're about to set off on a five-day, four-night state visit to Swaziland in Africa. 

This trip is about "enduring partnership," and our theme is "Taiwan and Swaziland: Enduring Partners." We will be working to achieve two key tasks.

First, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Swaziland's independence and the 50th birthday of Swaziland's King Mswati III. By attending this rare double ceremony, I will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Swaziland.

Second, this is my first trip to Africa since I became president. People from Taiwan are working in every corner of the world, and I want to go and show them my appreciation for everything they've done for Taiwan.

While we're abroad, government and national security officials who aren't on the trip will all be at their posts. All ongoing reform efforts and development projects will proceed on schedule and as planned.

I've instructed our national security team to closely monitor the situation in the surrounding area while we're gone, keep us informed at all times, and respond appropriately to any contingencies.

I want to reiterate that our government is duty-bound to maintain the status quo of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait. So my countrymen, please rest assured: We are confident, and determined to safeguard Taiwan's national security. 

To gain more international space, we have to go out into the world!

Taiwan is an integral part of the global community. Venturing out into the world is the only way to have unlimited possibilities for the future. So we're off, and will give our all for diplomacy.

Among those at the airport to see President Tsai off were Acting Secretary-General to the President Liu Chien-sin (劉建忻), Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Wen-Tsan (鄭文燦), National Security Bureau Director-General Peng Sheng-Chu (彭勝竹), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Chen Chun-lin (陳俊麟), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Maria Liu (劉德立), Overseas Community Affairs Council Vice Minister Roy Yuan-Rong Leu (呂元榮), St. Christopher and Nevis Ambassador to the ROC (and treasurer of the foreign diplomatic corps in the ROC) Jasmine Huggins, and Swaziland Charge d'Affaires to the ROC Lindiwe Kunene.