Africa-Press – Eswatini. Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen yesterday welcomed His Majesty King Mswati III with a military 21-gun salute at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei.
His Majesty the King and the president inspected the guard of honour after the national anthems of the two countries were played.
The president in her brief remarks said Taiwan was happy to receive the king and his delegation immediately after her country had relaxed border restrictions as a result of COVID-19 and was looking forward to receiving more international visitors.
She said in recent years, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini had supported each other and faced the challenges of COVID-19 together, whilst the two nations’ exchanges have grown even closer.
“Now that we have opened our doors, Taiwan has taken a giant step towards resuming a normal life, and on this occasion, His Majesty the King is joining us after an interval of four years. We look forward to this opportunity to address bilateral cooperation between our nations,” she said.
His Majesty, in making his brief remarks immediately after taking the military salute, expressed his delight at President Tsai’s invitation to visit Taiwan. He described Taiwan as the kingdom’s true friend for so many years and said it had now become a home away from home.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank Your Excellency, the government and the people of Taiwan for the warm and wonderful reception extended to me, Inkhosikati, and my entire delegation since our arrival.
Magnitude
“Visits of this magnitude are vital for the strengthening and renewing of our mutual friendship that happily exists between our two countries,” the King said. His Majesty the King further congratulated the president and the people of Taiwan for having celebrated their 111th Independence celebration, which he said was a commendable achievement.
“This is not just a milestone for the people of Taiwan, but also marks 54 years of healthy diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan.
Relations
“Your country was one of the first countries to open diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini at independence more than 54 years ago,” the King said. He said the relationship between the two countries has not only been cordial but solid enough to withstand the test of time, through thick and thin.
“It is based on national interests and equal partnership. This partnership has benefited our two countries’ and people’s immensely. What has kept us together all these years is a relationship that is built on a strong bond of friendship, respect, shared values and trust between our peoples,” said the king.
He said a true friend was one that comforts the other during a time of difficulty and sorrow and Taiwan has been a friend of all seasons for the Kingdom of Eswatini. “We do note the growing tensions that are emerging in various parts of the world, which are a great cause for concern to all mankind.
“We pray and hope that these will be addressed urgently by the United Nations,” the king noted. He promised President Tsai that Eswatini would continue to advocate for the admission of Taiwan to the UN family to enable her to participate freely and more effectively, particularly in the growth of the world’s technology, aviation, and health systems, among others.
“The longer Taiwan is not allowed to be a member of the UN family, the longer the world is deprived of vital components of global evolution. The United Nations should speak with one voice and recognise that Taiwan has a lot to share with the international community.
“This country can contribute to the welfare of mankind as we are all working towards inclusive societies and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals,” His Majesty the King said. The king took a brief moment to introduce his delegation and so did President Tsai, introducing her Cabinet members before they proceeded to the state banquet hosted for His Majesty.
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