President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 12 that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is committed to expanding mutually beneficial ties with southern African diplomatic ally Swaziland across a broad spectrum of areas.
Noting that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Tsai said that over the past half-century the allies have forged a strong friendship and multifaceted partnership. This is underscored by growing cooperation and exchanges between the two nations in fields like business, development and infrastructure, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving a Swaziland delegation led by Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, at the Office of the President in Taipei City. The delegation is on a five-day fact-finding tour that includes stops at Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan, New Taipei City-based Development Center for Biotechnology and various local businesses.
During the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Tawei Lee and Gamedze will also sign an agreement on behalf of their respective governments renewing a cooperation protocol. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the accord fosters collaboration in areas including agriculture, education and information and communication technology.
The close friendship between the two allies is evidenced by frequent high-level exchanges, the president said, adding that this marks the ninth time Gamedze has been to Taiwan. He last visited the nation alongside Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini in March.
Tsai also noted that a delegation of Taiwan enterprises traveled to Swaziland in June to explore business opportunities and conduct investment negotiations. Such efforts are in line with the government’s policy of steadfast diplomacy, which seeks to expand relations on the basis of mutual assistance for mutual benefits, she said.
The ROC and Swaziland have enjoyed robust ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1968 after the African nation gained independence from the U.K. According to the MOFA, the country has voiced unwavering support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and U.N. agencies including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Health Organization. (KWS-E)
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