Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
June 6, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
I am delighted to host this banquet in honor of our guests from the Kingdom of Eswatini. Your visit further consolidates the friendship between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I warmly welcome you and wish you a fruitful and pleasant stay.
Eswatini has long been a staunch ally of Taiwan and an active campaigner for our efforts to join international organizations. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your support.
Taiwan and Eswatini have been diplomatic allies for 55 years. Through the decades, our countries have strengthened cooperation in areas such as economics and trade, public health and medicine, agriculture, education, and ICT. We have achieved remarkable results and jointly advanced social and economic development in Eswatini. I am positive that, in the years ahead, we will further improve the well-being of the people of Taiwan and Eswatini and mutually benefit both our nations.
Eswatini’s 12th parliamentary elections are due to be held in August and September. We wish you a smooth and peaceful democratic process and look forward to an even brighter future for your country.
This year, we are celebrating not only the 55th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, but also the 55th birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III and the 55th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence.
With that in mind, I would like to invite you to join me in a toast: to the good health and happiness of His Majesty the King, Deputy Prime Minister Masuku, and the members of the delegation; to the continued prosperity of the Kingdom of Eswatini; and to the lasting friendship between our two countries. Cheers!