Swazi Observer

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TAIWAN PRESIDENT TO FLY IN WITH 5 CATTLE FOR KING

By Bodwa Mbingo | 2018-04-17

Visiting Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen who arrives in the country today is expected to present five cattle to His Majesty King Mswati III as a birthday present.

President Tsai Ing-wen will embark on the five-day trip to the country today, her first trip to the African continent as president, the Presidential Office confirmed yesterday.

Focus Taiwan News Channel reports that the president will travel on direct flights to and from the country, with no stopovers, and is expected to arrive in Swaziland at around 3:30pm Taiwan time today. Tsai and a delegation of officials will visit the country April 17 to 21 to attend a celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the King's 50th birthday, as well as the 50th anniversary of the country's independence.

Gift

The report further states that during the trip, Tsai will present His Majesty with gifts from one of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, as well as five cattle, which represent wealth in the country and are a traditional ceremonial gift.

A reception hosted by the King for President Tsai and her delegation will be held later in the evening.

During her time in the country, the president and her delegation will meet with local officials and inspect many of the medical, agricultural and educational initiatives that Taiwan has undertaken in Swaziland.

She will also meet with members of the overseas Taiwanese community and business people in southern Africa.

On the last day of the visit, a press reception hosted by Tsai will be held prior to a luncheon with the King, after which they will take a safari together before she leaves on her return trip to Taiwan. Tsai is expected to touch down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at around 9pm on Saturday.

Other expected guests for the 50/50 celebrations include Equitorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

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