President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) returned to Taiwan from her diplomatic trip to Eswatini on Friday. Her comments upon arrival in Taiwan and on her final day in Eswatini drew attention to Taiwan-sponsored programs aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Tsai led a delegation on a four-day trip to the country, one of Taiwan’s 13 remaining diplomatic allies, to attend its national day celebrations.
On Thursday, Tsai held a luncheon with Taiwanese medical and technical missions working in-country. In remarks at the event, Tsai said the cultivation of Taiwanese sweet potatoes, rice, dragon fruits, and guavas in Eswatini has benefited many local farmers. She added that the vocational training programs run by the missions have helped young people in Eswatini start their own businesses and improve their lives.
The luncheon featured an exhibition showcasing the work of those benefiting from a microfinance project for women run by the Taiwanese missions. One of the female craftswomen presented Tsai with some of her leatherwork as a gift. She also thanked the president for her support of the project, which she said has made it possible for them to produce higher-quality products.
Tsai expressed her gratitude to those who have worked to facilitate cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini. She said these efforts have laid a solid foundation for the friendship between the two countries.
Tsai also said she met with the King Mother Ntombi Tfwala to exchange ideas about women’s empowerment projects and witnessed the signing of a new fund aimed at helping more women create independent livelihoods.
Upon her return to Taiwan on Friday, she stated that the visit had fulfilled its goal of celebrating friendship and creating a sustainable future between the two countries.
Tsai said Taiwan is sincere and determined to make friends with the world despite its international dilemma. She once again thanked Eswatini for its long-term support of Taiwan’s international participation. She hopes that Taiwan will continue to promote regional and global prosperity and play an active role in global issues.