The state visit by Eswatini’s King Mswati III and his delegation is warmly welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Arriving Oct. 20, the group comprises Queen Inkhosikati LaMashwama; as well as Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Princess Sikhanyiso; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg; and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo.
According to the MOFA, a military salute welcome by President Tsai Ing-wen awaits the delegation on arrival, with a welcome banquet; the group will also be received by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu with a second banquet. The trip follows King Mswati III’s visit to Taiwan in 2018 and marks his 18th trip to the country, the ministry added.
The MOFA said the South African ally’s voice in support of Taiwan in international organizations such as the U.N., the World Health Organization, Interpol and U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change is deeply appreciated.
The group will meet with Ministry of Economic Affairs officials to discuss topics on economic growth, energy infrastructure development and trade. On the group’s schedule is a business seminar held to attract potential Taiwan investors to the South African ally while Taipei City-based Tex-Ray Industrial Co. has been invited to share its experience in operating textile factories in Eswatini.
Other highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the state-run oil company CPC Corp.’s Taoyuan refinery and a meeting with Eswatini students. Taiwan and Eswatini cooperate closely across a broad spectrum of areas including agriculture, education, infrastructure, information and communications technology, medicine and public health. (YCH-E)
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