Tsai embarks on 4-day state visit to Eswatini to mark 55th anniversary of ties

Tsai embarks on 4-day state visit to Eswatini to mark 55th anniversary of ties

2023-09-05

President Tsai Ing-wen has embarked on a four-day state visit to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining ally in Africa. She will attend a celebration marking the 55th year of Eswatini’s independence, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Taiwan-Eswatini friendship. Just before her flight, Tsai praised Eswatini for standing by Taiwan despite global challenges.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
I will lead a delegation to once again visit our diplomatic ally Eswatini.

At Taoyuan International Airport, President Tsai Ing-wen speaks ahead of her second trip to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining African ally. She’ll be there on a four-day state visit.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Over the past few years, amid global challenges such as the pandemic and the expansion of authoritarianism, Eswatini has stood steadfastly by Taiwan’s side. This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries, as well as the 55th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I will convey my most sincere congratulations.

Tsai touted the two nations’ 55-year friendship, stressing that Eswatini has long spoken up for Taiwan on the global stage. Since ascending to the Eswatini throne in 1986, King Mswati III has visited Taiwan 18 times, reflecting the friendship between the two sides.

Chen Yen-ling
FTV reporter
The president is embarking on a four-day trip. The main purpose is to attend a celebration honoring the 55th anniversary of Eswatini’s founding, which also marks 55 years of the Taiwan-Eswatini friendship. What’s notable about this trip is that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai is accompanying Tsai, as Kaohsiung is about to formalize a sister-city relationship with Eswatini’s capital.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said that ahead of Tsai’s visit, a statement was issued by more than 80 lawmakers from 11 African countries, including South Africa, the Republic of Malawi, and Botswana. On behalf of each country’s Formosa Club branch, the statement welcomed President Tsai to Eswatini. It also commended Tsai for her “Africa plan,” which has achieved tangible results since it was initiated shortly after her 2018 visit to Eswatini.

Before departing, Tsai made clear that Taiwan’s storm recovery and other domestic affairs were still top of mind.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
I have instructed my administrative team to keep in close contact with local governments and to provide assistance with disaster recovery.

Even during state visits, domestic issues remain a priority, as Tsai aims to close out her tenure on a strong note.

台史建交55週年蔡總統率團出訪史瓦帝尼

2023-09-05

總統蔡英文今天率團，出訪非洲友邦史瓦帝尼，展開為期4天國是訪問，早上在行前談話中，稱讚面對威權主義打壓，史瓦帝尼總是站出來堅定支持台灣，今年是兩國建交55周年，也是史瓦帝尼王國獨立建國55周年，此行將代表台灣人民，致上最誠摯的祝賀。

[[總統蔡英文]]
“率團再次訪問我們的友邦史瓦帝尼王國”

總統蔡英文，來到桃園國際機場，這回將在任內第二度率團出訪，我國非洲唯一的友邦史瓦帝尼，將展開為期4天的國是訪問。

[[總統蔡英文]]
“這幾年面對疫情，威權主義擴張等許多國際挑戰，史瓦帝尼總是站出來堅定支持台灣，今年是我們兩國建交55周年，也是史瓦帝尼王國獨立建國55周年，我將代表台灣人民致上最誠摯的祝賀”

兩國建交長達55年，蔡英文強調，史瓦帝尼不僅長期在國際場合為台灣仗義執言，史瓦帝尼國王恩史瓦帝三世，從1986年登基以來，總共訪台18次，兩國友誼深厚。

[[民視記者陳妍伶]]
“總統將展開四天三夜的行程，此行最重要的就是要來參加，在史國的雙五五慶典，來慶祝史國獨立建國55週年，也是台灣跟史國建交的55週年，那特別的是呢這一次的行程，包括高雄市長陳其邁也會隨行，因為高雄市要跟史國的首都，來締結為姐妹市”

此次出訪，外交部表示，包含南非、馬拉威、波札那等非洲十一個國家、超過八十位國會議員，代表各國"福爾摩沙俱樂部"成員，發表聯合聲明，歡迎蔡總統訪問史瓦帝尼。其中更肯定了，蔡英文2018年訪問後推動的"非洲計畫"，已有具體成果。

而出訪期間，蔡英文也不忘國內的颱風災損、復原狀況。

[[總統蔡英文]]
“我也指示行政團隊，務必跟地方政府保持聯繫，給予災後的協助”

外交出訪，仍心繫國內。蔡英文要在任期最後一年，繼續拚出好成績。

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