By Ncaba Ntshakala
Historic! In a statement filled with gratitude and optimism, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to its decades-long partnership with Taiwan during the occasion of a courtesy call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.
The Prime Minister is in the Eastern Asian country to honour a visit by the Taiwan government. Prime Minister Dlamini expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received in Taiwan and highlighted the importance of his visit in solidifying the bond between the two nations.
He emphasized that Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan remain a top priority for the King, government, and people.
ALSO READ:Prime Minister jets out, makes…
“I have the high privilege and distinct honour to extend fraternal greetings from your dear brother His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the wonderful Nation of Eswatin,” the Premier remarked.
“Madam President, I am grateful for this most momentous occasion as it occupies a very special place in my heart. To mark my official inaugural visit to your country as Head of Government, I wish to make it clear that the happily existing Eswatini-Taiwan diplomatic relations remain a top priority for Their Majesties, the Government, and the People of Eswatini.”
Dlamini congratulated President Tsai on the recent successful democratic elections in Taiwan, calling it a testament to the country’s commitment to peace and democracy.
“Congratulations are in order to you, Madam President, and most importantly the Government and the People of Taiwan – on the success of the not long past national elections,” said Prime Minister Russell Dlamini during the meeting.
He then outlined Eswatini’s development goals, including the construction of a Strategic Oil Reserve Facility, improved healthcare access for all emaSwati, and the completion of an International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel.
The Prime Minister called for Taiwan’s continued support for these critical projects, emphasizing their role in achieving Eswatini’s economic aspirations. He highlighted recent initiatives like the Governor of the Central Bank’s visit to Taiwan to explore financial sector collaboration.
Dlamini expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s past assistance, including the renovation of a major hospital, women’s empowerment programs, agricultural technology advancements, rural electrification initiatives, and educational opportunities for Eswatini students.
Some of the collaboration programs the Premier highlighted as the benefits of the Taiwan-Eswatini mutual alliance.
1. The renovation of Mbabane Government Hospital’s Referral and the Emergency Complex was completed in 2021 by CECI Engineering Consultants. Here, Taiwan provided its medical services and construction capabilities, two areas of excellence, to improve the quality of life for emaSwati.
2. The Taiwan-sponsored women empowerment programme, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, which continues to transform the lives of a huge population of women in our country.
3.The Taiwan ICDF Technical Mission in Eswatini, which continues to provide technical support to local farmers in Eswatini – transforming the agricultural industry and technology, through which emaSwati farmers continue to inherit adept farming methods and knowledge. This has resulted in an upward gradient of food security in the Kingdom and has empowered the rural youth and women.
4.The rural electrification program, which has helped bring electricity to the country’s most remote areas. About 85% of Eswatini’s population has access to electricity, one of the highest in Africa.
5.Youth empowerment initiatives, fully funded university scholarships awarded to emaSwati students to study in Taiwan and the recently introduced Eswatini English teaching program for emaSwati to teach English in Taiwan.
Further, the Premier also applauded the Taiwan government for its support to the Kingdom Eswatini during the Covid-19 pandemic which he said saved thousands of emaSwati.
ALSO READ:Taiwan, China launch rescue bid..
“Madam President, your support to Eswatini during the Covid-19 pandemic saved thousands of emaSwati and we forever remain appreciative of your meaningful and committed support,” the Premier stated.
“The Taipei Medical University Hospital, the Central Epidemic Command Center, and the Taiwan We Go Team had a salient role to play in Eswatini during those hard times, and we know it was out of your good heart.”
As President Tsai nears the end of her term, the Prime Minister expressed Eswatini’s appreciation for her 2023 visit to the Kingdom during the Kingdom’s 55/55 double celebration and her unwavering dedication to Eswatini’s development.
The Prime Minister closed his speech by expressing his eagerness to continue the strong partnership between the two nations as they enter their 56th year of diplomatic relations.
