Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 6, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good evening!
I am delighted to host this banquet in honor of our esteemed guests from the Kingdom of Eswatini. Your visit further serves to consolidate bilateral ties and demonstrates that the distance between our nations has never stood in the way of forging a profound and fraternal bond. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I welcome you and wish you all a fruitful and pleasant stay.
Taiwan and Eswatini have been diplomatic allies for 55 years. Throughout this time, our countries have supported each other and worked together to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economics and trade, public health and medicine, agriculture, education, and ICT. And we have achieved remarkable results along the way. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Dlamini for his assistance, coordination, and strong support in facilitating the smooth implementation of our nations’ collaboration. I am positive that in the years ahead, our efforts will continue to raise the well-being of the peoples of Taiwan and Eswatini and generate mutual benefits for both nations.
I also wish to convey profound gratitude for Eswatini’s unwavering and long-standing support of Taiwan’s participation in the international arena. Prime Minister Dlamini spoke forcefully for Taiwan’s participation during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2021, as well as at the UNFCCC’s COP26 and COP27 meetings. The world has heard Taiwan’s voice because of Eswatini. I look forward to Eswatini’s continuing support as Taiwan seeks to expand its international participation and contribute even more to the world.
This year marks the 55th birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III, the 55th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. With these auspicious occasions in mind, I would like to invite everyone to join me in a toast: to the good health and happiness of His Majesty the King, as well as Prime Minister Dlamini and his delegation; to Eswatini’s continuing prosperity; and to the everlasting friendship between our nations. Thank you, and cheers!