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KING CALLS FOR DEEPENING OF RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN

By KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS | 2024-05-23

His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the deepening and strengthening of relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

His Majesty reiterated the Kingdom’s support when holding bilateral talks with President Lai Ching-te at the presidential office yesterday before witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Bank of Eswatini and its Taiwan counterparts and that of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority to promote digitalisation.

The King started by congratulating President Lai for winning the elections, which were declared free and fair by international observers.

He said the people of Taiwan had enjoyed democracy for decades, making it a true shining beacon for the global community.

“This visit gives us the opportunity to affirm our support for the continuity of the relationship between the people of Eswatini and Taiwan. Friendship, mutual respect, and productive cooperation form the foundation of the ties that bind our two countries,” His Majesty the King said.

He said that as they stood on the cusp of a new chapter in Taiwan's history after the president’s inauguration, it gave him privilege to reflect on the strong and enduring partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan, and envision the bright future that lies ahead for the two nations.

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“Eswatini will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in international organisations and mechanisms, including United Nations agencies.

“We are optimistic about the future of our partnership, and Eswatini is committed to working closely with you to strengthen our nations ties. Together, we can achieve great things for our people and our countries' prosperity.

“Thank you, President Lai, for your astute leadership and your commitment to our enduring friendship,” the King said.

He said he was looking forward to further opportunities for continued cooperation between the two countries, particularly at the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve facility.

The King said the development of that facility represented a significant step towards achieving energy sovereignty for Eswatini, and the countrywas grateful for Taiwan's support in this endeavour.

“The people of Eswatini are confident that our collaboration in this area will yield positive outcomes for both of our countries and contribute to Eswatini's long-term energy security.

“Today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen our cooperation, especially between the Eswatini Central Bank and its counterpart in this great country and in advancing the business digitalisation project.

“We are pleased that this support will help establish a mobile version of the ‘buy Eswatini’ digital business platform,” he said.

His Majesty said the platform would also facilitate the training of the country’s youth to serve as seed teachers for business digitalisation and leverage it to upgrade their business models.

INVITES PRESIDENT TO VISIT ESWATINI

HIS Majesty the King has invited the 16th term President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, to visit the Kingdom of Eswatini once he has settled down.

He extended this invitation when holding bilateral talks with the new president, who was inaugurated on Monday in what was a colourful ceremony.

“Your excellency, once you have settled down, we hope you will honour us by visiting the Kingdom of Eswatini so that we can further strengthen our cooperation and also reciprocate the good hospitality we have received since we have been here in Taiwan.

“Rest assured that you have a true and trusted friend on the African continent, because we are an ally that will continue to support you in all your global endeavours. May our partnership continue to thrive and flourish in the years to come,” His Majesty the King said.

President Lai likes Eswatini’s ‘anginasitsa’ philosophy

REPUBLIC of China (Taiwan) 16th term President Lai Ching-te informed His Majesty King Mswati III that he liked the kingdom’s philosophy, anginasitsa (an enemy to none), coined by King Sobhuza II.

He informed the King, who had gone to hold bilateral talks with him at the presidential office yesterday, that such a philosophy made the kingdom a champion of peace and dialogue, not only in the country but the world.

“Where there are differences of opinion, it is important to promote dialogue and find lasting solutions,” he said.

In fact, in his inaugural speech on Monday, President Lai said, “I also want to call on China (Mainland) to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure that the world is free from the fear of war.

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“Taiwanese are peace-loving people who treat others with kindness. I have always believed that if the leader of a country puts the people’s welfare above all else, then peace in the Taiwan Strait, mutual benefits, and prosperous coexistence would be common goals.

“Therefore, I hope that China will face the reality of the republic’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan, and, in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and, under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.”

President Lai commended His Majesty the King, the government and Emaswati for always standing with Taiwan in international forums by calling for their participation in those structures, be it in the United Nations or other multilateral agencies.

He also assured His Majesty the King that Taiwan was ready to support the country in achieving its vision of becoming a First-World or developed country.

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“Your Majesty I would also like to assure you that the programmes that were carried out by the previous administration are going to continue and we will also add new ones in our effort to support the kingdom.

“We wish Eswatini growth, peace and development. Kindly pass our regards to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the government and Emaswati,” he said.

President Lai further thanked His Majesty for finding time and accepting his invitation to the inauguration, saying that such a gesture was a demonstration of his support and solidarity.

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“This clearly shows that the kingdom will continue to stand with Taiwan in good times or even during times of challenge.

“The signing of the two agreements and communique is a demonstration that our two countries are ready to work together,” he said.

Commends strides made under president Tsai

HIS Majesty the King has commended the tremendous strides the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) made during the tenure of President Tsai Ing-wen.

“Under your predecessor, our bilateral relations have flourished across multiple domains.

“The gains made in trade relations have been significant, fostering economic growth and prosperity for both our countries.

“We commend your predecessor, President Tsai, for her insightful leadership over the past eight years, which has deepened Taiwan's democracy and significantly contributed to its growth.

“We envy the massive development that we always realise when we come to Taiwan, even on this 19th visit to your country,” His Majesty said.

He said he hoped that under President Lai’s leadership, the two countries will continue to strengthen and expand upon these trade ties, exploring new avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.

His Majesty appreciated the strides made in rural electrification, health cooperation, and agricultural support that have brought tangible improvements to the lives of Emaswati.

“Your government’s commitment to these initiatives has been commendable and I am confident that we can build upon these successes to further enhance the well-being of our people.

“We also wish to express our gratitude for Taiwan's backing in empowering women through micro-finance initiatives. Programmes such as the women business start-up micro-finance revolving fund have been instrumental in promoting gender equality and economic empowerment in Eswatini,” he noted.

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