Lai thanks visiting Eswatini officials for support at U.N. General Assembly

Taipei, Nov. 25 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday thanked visiting Eswatini House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza for his country's vocal support for Taiwan at this year's U.N. General Assembly.

During a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Lai noted that Eswatini's King Mswati III had used his address at the 80th U.N. General Assembly General Debate in September to underline that U.N. Resolution 2758 of 1971 "did not address the issue of Taiwan's representation in the United Nations, and it does not preclude their participation in the U.N. system."

Resolution 2758 recognized the People's Republic of China as the "only lawful representative of China to the U.N." Beijing, however, has used it to justify its claim over Taiwan.

Lai said that the king's speech reflected the long-term support Eswatini has given Taiwan in the international arena.

He noted that this was Mabuza's second time leading a delegation to Taiwan, having previously done so as Eswatini's minister of commerce, industry and trade in 2018.

The president said the current visit demonstrated Eswatini's firm support for Taiwan and deepening bilateral ties, adding that the two countries had achieved much together in the fields of agriculture, public health, education, women's empowerment and renewable energy.

The Taiwanese government will continue encouraging Taiwanese businesses to branch out globally, using Eswatini as their launchpad into the African market, thus creating opportunities for cooperation, Lai said.

In his remarks, Mabuza said Lai's emphasis on innovation and education aligned with Eswatini's own development priorities.

Eswatini cherishes the long-standing bond between the two countries, which is built upon the shared values of sovereignty and mutual respect, and is committed to deepening it, Mabuza said.

He expressed confidence that bilateral economic and cultural exchanges, as well as cooperation in health care, public sanitation and technology will continue to flourish.

Others in the delegation include Eswatini House of Assembly members Lindiwe Mamba, Joseph Souza, Jabulane M. Simelane and Allen Vilane.