Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

While meeting with Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Madame Dlamini on the morning of October 8, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Eswatini for staunchly supporting Taiwan's international participation. The president also expressed hope that the two countries will foster new development in bilateral exchanges and cooperation and continue to work together to enhance Taiwan-Eswatini relations.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

I want to first welcome Prime Minister Dlamini and Madame Dlamini for leading a delegation of cabinet members and officials to Taiwan to join us in celebrating the 108th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This is also Prime Minister and Madame Dlamini's first trip to Taiwan, demonstrating that Eswatini attaches great importance to our bilateral relationship and that our two countries enjoy a lasting friendship.

I want to specially thank Prime Minister Dlamini and the Kingdom of Eswatini for staunchly supporting Taiwan's international participation. At the UN General Assembly last month, King Mswati III called on the United Nations "to allow Taiwan to participate in relevant exertions on a dignified and equal footing. " Prime Minister Dlamini also spoke up for Taiwan at last year's 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 24), affirming Taiwan's efforts to combat climate change. We are deeply grateful for all these acts of support.

Whether in the international arena or in national development, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini are mutually supportive partners. In recent years, our nations have continued to reap the rewards of our bilateral cooperation programs in such areas as rural development, agriculture, healthcare, and human resources.

Since taking office, Prime Minister Dlamini has leveraged his extensive business experience and efficiency-oriented approach to breathe new life into the economy of Eswatini. We look forward to the Prime Minister's continued support and suggestions so that Taiwan and Eswatini can foster new development in bilateral exchanges and cooperation and continue to work together to enhance Taiwan-Eswatini relations.

Lastly, I would like to wish Prime Minister Dlamini and his delegation an enjoyable and productive trip. Please convey Taiwan's greetings to King Mswati III and the Queen Mother.