President Tsai Ing-wen says the challenges Taiwan and Eswatini have faced over the past few years of the pandemic have brought the countries closer together. That came from Tsai's speech on Friday when she welcomed Eswatini's King Mswati III during his visit to Taiwan.
Tsai says she's happy to welcome Mswati and his delegation and hopes representatives from other countries will also come to Taiwan in the future. Taiwan finally opened its borders on October 13, ending quarantine and allowing for visa-free entry, which was not possible throughout most of the pandemic.
Mswati says the United Nations is missing a vital member if it does not allow Taiwan to join and share its contributions. He calls on the UN to recognize Taiwan so it can discuss issues like technology, aviation, and health with the rest of the world.
Mswati says this is his 18th time visiting Taiwan and both countries have overcome many obstacles together. Eswatini is Taiwan's only ally in Africa and the two countries have been diplomatic partners for 54 years.
The king adds that Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained a strong friendship because they share respect, trust, and similar values. He says Eswatini hopes that the two countries will always stand by each other.