‘Your leadership is remarkable’

REPUBLIC of China (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te has praised His Majesty King Mswati III for his remarkable leadership over the past 40 years.

Congratulating the king for the Ruby Jubilee celebration, he pointed out several achievements by the country under his leadership in the 40 years and collaborations.

In a video recording played at the official opening of the International Convention Centre (ICC), the president said there were three main historic triple milestones that had been realised by the country cushioned by the shared bilateral relations.

President Lai noted that under the king’s leadership, 85% of locals now have access to electricity, which he said was one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

He said the country’s economy had witnessed 61-fold growth while enjoying strong prospects and its sovereignty is more secure than ever.

He said the outcomes of Taiwan’s efforts to foster mutual prosperity have shown the world that sincere friendship and robust cooperation between nations could forge a brighter future for both peoples.

Congratulating the king on his 58th birthday celebration, he noted that the countries have had bilateral relations for 58 years.

The president said the special occasion was a national celebration in the country, which is a powerful symbol of the staunch partnership between the two countries.

“The strengthened partnership is a result of His Majesty’s brilliant and outstanding leadership over the past 40 years. Today, Eswatini shines as a jewel of Africa due to its tremendous progress in the areas of infrastructure, social welfare, healthcare and regional stability,” he said.

Reminiscing, he shared how he still vividly remembers His Majesty’s visit to Taiwan two years ago, leading a delegation to attend his and Vice-President Hsiao’s inauguration. At that time, he said the king highlighted such projects as the women’s Microfinance Revolving Fund and the strategic oil reserve facility.

He noted that the current ongoing tensions in the Gulf region were a clear reminder of the importance of energy security.

He said the Strategic Oil Reserve facility that Taiwan and Eswatini were working together to establish was scheduled for completion in 2028. The president added that the initiative would safeguard against future energy shocks. He said it also reflected His Majesty’s foresight, commitment, and courage to protect his country.

Furthermore, he stated that the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park was expected to attract more foreign capital and companies to the kingdom, thus generating more jobs for the people.

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Beyond national development, he said Taiwan looked forward to cooperating with Eswatini to make even greater contributions to the world.

He said Emaswati were like family and reiterated his commitment to working with Eswatini to overcome all challenges ahead.

“Your Majesty, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I wish you a most joyful birthday and your beloved kingdom everlasting prosperity. May our friendship remain as strong and precious as ever. Dear people of Eswatini, thank you very much.”

President Lai added that Eswatini government had staunchly supported Taiwan’s international participation.

“The people of Taiwan and I are extremely grateful. I wish I was there to extend the best wishes of the people of Taiwan to Your Majesty and to the people of Eswatini. Taiwan is a sovereign country and it belongs to the world. Our 23 million people have the right to engage with the international community. The greater the external pressure we face, the more courage and resolve we have. We will strengthen our capabilities and steadily deepen our global engagement. No country has the right to block our efforts to contribute to the world. Nor should any seek to do so,” stated the president.

On that note, His Majesty King Mswati III expressed appreciation to Taiwan for its significant financial support to the country towards different projects, including the ICC.

The king lauded and expressed appreciation to Taiwan for the crucial contribution they also made towards ensuring that the country achieved its dreams.

“It will be doing an injustice if I do not recognise the efforts you have put together as a country in mobilising the resources needed for this project. Surely, you have done a lot and this is why I am standing here today.

I extend my profound appreciation to the president and the people of Taiwan. The president actually sent the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung to represent him after he faced challenges with his travelling arrangements to join the occasion, that he communicated. I am sure his heart is with us, we also send regards to him,” said the king.