This is my first state visit to Swaziland, so I want to begin by thanking Your Majesty for inviting me to come. I just received a decoration from Your Majesty, and I believe these gestures symbolize the genuine friendship between Swaziland and Taiwan.
Your Majesty has visited Taiwan 16 times, including leading a delegation to attend my inauguration ceremony, and has spoken up on Taiwan's behalf at many international venues. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express heartfelt gratitude to Your Majesty.
This trip is dedicated to building an "enduring partnership" under the theme "Taiwan and Swaziland: Enduring Partners." I am pleased to visit Swaziland during this special year, which marks the 50th anniversary of the independence of Swaziland and Your Majesty's 50th birthday.
For the Republic of China (Taiwan), this is also an important year, marking the 50th anniversary of Taiwan-Swaziland diplomatic relations. These 50 years of trust and mutual assistance inspire confidence that cooperation, mutual benefits, and mutual trust between Taiwan and Swaziland will continue for a long time to come.
We can strengthen our partnership in two ways.
First, we want to broaden technical exchanges.
On this trip, I'll visit Taiwan's medical and technical missions in Swaziland. Those missions have received positive feedback for their accomplishments in Swaziland.
I hope that Taiwan and Swaziland can build on our existing cooperation by finding areas that can be improved, and even better cooperative projects.
Second, we want to deepen bilateral cooperation across the board on the principle of "mutual assistance for mutual benefits".
By collaborating in the field of education, Taiwan wants to attract Swazi students to study for professional degrees in Taiwan. At the same time, we also hope to develop long-term partnerships with local schools in Swaziland to develop more personnel with fundamental skills. By working together, both countries can then contribute more to bilateral cooperation and national development.
As for economic and trade ties, Taiwan can see that the African market has tremendous potential, and more Taiwanese companies should take advantage of the international opportunities here. Because Swaziland is an English-speaking country, it can be an important base of operations to develop the African market for Taiwan companies now planning to expand their global reach.
We have prepared a special gift for Your Majesty, a shield from Taiwan's Puyuma tribe village of Tamalrakaw, a symbol of stout mutual support.
Before I close, I wish the best of health to Your Majesty and Queen Mother, and the continued prosperity of the Kingdom of Swaziland. May Taiwan and Swaziland enjoy an "enduring partnership." Siyabonga Kakhulu!