Meeting with Swaziland Vice President, Lai Ching-te: Hoping Taiwan and Swaziland will mutually support each other

President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini, Thulisile Dladla, this afternoon. She expressed gratitude for Eswatini’s continuous support for Taiwan’s international participation on various international platforms. President Tsai highlighted the close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in various fields, expressing hopes for mutual support in the international arena and continued efforts for the well-being of both countries’ peoples.

In his address, President Tsai extended a warm welcome to the visitor at the Presidential Office. He acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla’s previous visit to Taiwan as Minister of Foreign Affairs and her current visit leading a delegation as Deputy Prime Minister for the first time, conveying his sincere welcome.

President Tsai noted Deputy Prime Minister Dladla’s esteemed position as the first female Foreign Minister of Eswatini and the second woman to hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Her image of care for the people and dedication to public service has earned admiration and respect.

“I am delighted to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla today and once again express gratitude for Eswatini’s delegation attending my and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin’s inauguration ceremony last year, showcasing the deep friendship between our two countries. I would like Deputy Prime Minister Dladla to convey greetings and appreciation from Taiwan to the King and Queen Mother of Eswatini upon her return,” President Tsai stated.

President Tsai emphasized the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, spanning over half a century with close cooperation in agriculture, trade, education, healthcare, among other fields. He highlighted the joint endeavor of assisting Eswatini in constructing strategic oil tanks as the most extensive collaboration project to date, pledging continuous promotion of such initiatives and anticipating fruitful cooperation in various sectors.

Furthermore, President Tsai mentioned Deputy Prime Minister Dladla’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment, citing her efforts in fostering cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini during her tenure as Foreign Minister, now extended to advocating for the vulnerable as Deputy Prime Minister. These policy directions align with his governing priorities, aiming for enhanced collaboration with Eswatini to improve the societies of both countries.

President Tsai stressed that both Taiwan and Eswatini are peace-loving nations, facing the challenges of rapidly changing international situations and the spreading threats of authoritarianism. He expressed hopes for ongoing mutual support between the two countries in the international arena, working towards the continued well-being of their peoples. In conclusion, he wished Deputy Prime Minister Dladla a successful and fulfilling visit.

During her address, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla conveyed sincere greetings on behalf of King Mswati III, Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala, and the people of Eswatini, thanking Taiwan for the warm welcome extended to the visiting delegation, underscoring the solid friendship between the two nations.

Reflecting on the achievements of their partnership, Dladla highlighted Taiwan’s assistance in various fields in Eswatini. Initiatives such as the upcoming launch of the strategic oil tank project in April, which will redefine Eswatini’s energy security, as well as cooperation projects like the new central bank headquarters building and electrification plan, demonstrate Taiwan’s forward-thinking contribution to Eswatini’s development and the close bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

“Education serves as the foundation for national development. Taiwan has made significant contributions to education in Eswatini through scholarship programs provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many Eswatini students have come to Taiwan to study engineering, business, medicine, and other disciplines through these scholarship programs. These graduates have returned to Eswatini, contributing to the country’s development. Additionally, the industrial, technological, and medical partnerships between Taiwan and Eswatini create more employment opportunities and innovative possibilities, strengthening Eswatini’s healthcare system and professional expertise,” Dladla noted.

Deputy Prime Minister Dladla also wished President Tsai success in leading Taiwan to new heights, acknowledging King Mswati III’s personal attendance at President Tsai’s inauguration ceremony as a demonstration of Eswatini’s firm support for Taiwan’s sovereignty, stability, and legitimate status on the international stage. She reiterated Eswatini’s unwavering commitment to standing alongside Taiwan.