Premier Chen Chien-jen on Wednesday received a delegation led by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The premier said Taiwan and Eswatini have been diplomatic allies for more than 55 years and thanked Eswatini for its enduring and steadfast support for Taiwan on the international stage, and for speaking out for Taiwan at international events. He hopes the kingdom will continue to voice support for Taiwan's participation in international affairs.
Premier Chen said he hopes for everlasting friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini and a steady deepening of bilateral cooperation. He trusts the delegation will feel the warmth and friendliness of the Taiwanese people during its visit, and will have the opportunity to learn more about recent political, economic and social developments, as well as experience Taiwan's diverse culture.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dlamini congratulated Taiwan for successfully conducting its democratic, free and fair presidential election in January, noting that Taiwan's ballot boxes open in the morning and close in the late afternoon, and election results are announced on the night of the very same day. The prime minister said such capacities are unheard of in most parts of the world, and are a true reflection of how Taiwan's government is guided in formulating its laws and procedures on how to operate as a country. He said Eswatini looks forward to learning from Taiwan's experiences in this area.
Prime Minister Dlamini said Eswatini and Taiwan are two brotherly countries that enjoy strong and good relations and have journeyed together for more than five-and-a-half decades. His current visit not only offers a chance for Eswatini to learn from Taiwan, but also affords another chance to renew this mutual commitment. The prime minister is assured that the delegation's discussions in these past few days guarantee a good future for Taiwan and Eswatini and will yield mutual benefit for both countries.