On the evening of 9th October 2017, Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen hosted a reception in celebration of the 106th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Convention Center of Royal Swazi Spa Hotel. Prince Sicalo, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati Ⅲ, graced the event with the presence of seven cabinet ministers, including Hon. Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. On parliament front, Speaker Themba of the House of Assembly, together with more than 10 senators and MPs were also present. Over two hundred and fifty participants attended this auspicious occasion.
On making his remarks, Ambassador Chen mentioned about the frequent exchange of visits among high ranking officials of both sides and close development cooperation. He described this constructive partnership as a two-way traffic, because “While the R.O.C.(Taiwan) is lending its national development experiences to Swaziland, the Kingdom of eSwatini is also unwaveringly supporting Taiwan’s international participation” ,and extended his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati Ⅲ’s unreserved generosity of supporting Taiwan’s participation in the UN system during his speech to the 72nd UN General Assembly on 20th September this year.
In His Majesty’s remarks read by Prince Sicalo, His Majesty expressed profound appreciation for the fruitful bilateral cooperation, such as the rural electrification project with the current national access rate of 72%, the medical training program in the result of welcoming back the first batch of 10 quasi-medical doctors with a prospect of another 60 graduates in four years’ time, and a donation of E260 million (US $20 million) for the rehabilitation of the outpatient department of the Mbabane Government Hospital. He further attributed this long lasting friendship to continued exchange of visits between the two countries. In respect of supporting Taiwan’s membership to the UN, His Majesty voiced “Our message to the United Nations is unequivocal in the benefit we believe the global community can derive through your participation as a member state.”
H.E. Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen made his remarks.
H.R.H. Prince Sicalo, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati Ⅲ, read His Majesty’s remarks.
Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen and H.R.H. Prince Sicalo proposed a toast.
Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen and H.R.H. Prince Sicalo cut the cake.