President Tsai Ing-wen and King Mswati III of Swaziland signed a joint communique April 17 in the diplomatic ally’s capital Mbabane, pledging to advance exchanges and mutual cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
 
Under the pact concluded in Mandvulo Grand Hall at Lozitha Royal Palace, the two sides agreed to enhance collaboration across a broad spectrum of areas spanning agriculture, education, public health, tourism, trade and investment, and women’s employment.
 
According to the Office of the President, Tsai is in Swaziland on a four-day state visit for celebrations marking 50 years of official ties, the king’s 50th birthday and 50 years of independence from Great Britain for the landlocked southern African nation. It is her first trip to the continent as president since taking office in May 2016.
 
Following Tsai’s arrival earlier in the day at King Mswati III International Airport, she was awarded the Order of the Elephant by the king for excellence in leadership and extensive contributions to advancing two-way exchanges and deepening the friendship between the countries. The leaders also took the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations and international affairs, as well as their outlook on policymaking and areas of mutual concern.
 
Taiwan and Swaziland share a warm affinity dating back half a century, Tsai said, adding that the king’s 16 state visits, including one for her presidential inauguration, underscore this fact. She also expressed her sincere gratitude on behalf of the government and the people to Swaziland for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s ongoing bids for participation in international organizations.
 
Looking ahead, Tsai said Taiwan-Swaziland ties are set to go from strength to strength on the back of enhanced medical and technical exchanges, as well as greater bilateral cooperation focusing on education and talent cultivation.
 
Such measures will keep Swaziland moving forward on the development track and create win-win business and investment opportunities, Tsai said. More Taiwan firms should establish presences in Swaziland and use the nation as a base for tapping the tremendous potential of the African market, she added. (SFC-E)
 
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