Swazi King Mswati III given 21-gun salute in Taipei

Staff writer, with CNA

The government held a 21-gun salute yesterday to welcome King Mswati III of Swaziland, one of the nation’s three diplomatic allies in Africa.

President Ma Ying-jeou officiated at the welcoming ceremony in Liberty Plaza in Taipei for the king, who is on his 15th visit to Taiwan.
Ma said the Republic of China (ROC) and Swaziland have maintained cooperative projects ranging from agricultural assistance to medical services, and he hoped bilateral relations would advance in the future.

The king said he hoped the 45-year-long relationship between his nation and Taiwan would continue, adding that cooperation with the ROC has helped improve the kingdom’s economy and infrastructure, citing a new international airport as an example of bilateral cooperation.

His country is “very grateful” for the ROC’s assistance, he said.
He said Swaziland would continue to support Taiwan’s efforts to expand its international participation.
Following the ceremony, Ma met with the king at the Presidential Office Building.
During his five-day visit, which ends tomorrow, the king is also scheduled to meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin ).

President Ma Ying-jeou, left, yesterday accompanies Swazi King Mswati III in Taipei’s Liberty Square during the official welcoming ceremony for the king.
Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei Times