President Chen Receives Swaziland Foreign and Trade Minister Abednego Ntshangase
Taipei, April 12 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Friday received Swaziland Foreign and Trade Minister Abednego Ntshangase and said that the visit will further strengthen relations between the two countries.
During the reception, Chen described Swaziland as "the most friendly country" of the Republic of China because the African kingdom has maintained diplomatic ties with Taipei since its independence in 1968.
The president extended his heartfelt welcome to the Swazi minister, who is making his fourth visit to Taiwan.
Chen noted that Swazi King Mswati III has visited Taiwan seven times, including a visit for the May 20, 2000 presidential inauguration. Last year, Chen visited Swaziland to hold talks with the king.
Over the decades, Chen said, Taiwan's cooperation with Swaziland has expanded from agricultural skills and handicrafts in the initial stages to infrastructure projects.
He said that the ROC government will continue encouraging Taiwan businessmen to increase their investments and build factories in Swaziland so as to increase job opportunities there.
Ntshangase conveyed Mswati's greetings to Chen and extended his thanks for Taiwan's assistance to his country. He said that Swaziland treats Taiwan "not only as a friend, but as also as a brother."
Chen said that following Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization in January this year, the country is seeking to become an observer of the World Health Organization.
He said that the European Parliament and the U.S. government have voiced their support for Taiwan's bid and expressed hope that Swaziland will follow suit.
Ntshangase was accompanied on his visit to Chen by ROC Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien and Swazi Ambassador to Taipei Moses Mathendele Dlamini.