MOFA thanks African friends for welcoming Tsai’s upcoming Eswatini visit

2023/09/05

The joint statements, letters and social media posts released by political figures and lawmakers from 11 countries and territories in Africa to welcome President Tsai Ing-wen’s Sept. 5-8 visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini are deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 4.
 
One joint statement was signed by over 80 lawmakers, who are also members of the Formosa Club in Africa, from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Somaliland, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the MOFA said. Describing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy, it lauded the Africa Project launched by Tsai in 2018 for deepening cooperation between Taiwan and African countries in areas spanning agriculture, education, energy, information and communications technology, tourism and trade, the ministry added.
 
Equally impressive is a letter by John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance party, the MOFA said. He praised Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in the face of China’s increasing coercion and threats, adding that Tsai’s visit demonstrates her commitment to expanding collaboration on trade and cultural development with African countries, the ministry said.
 
The MOFA said Narend Singh, chief whip of South Africa’s Inkatha Freedom Party, also sent a letter to express support for Taiwan, while Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former president of Botswana, sent a letter conveying his great respect for Tsai and said democracies worldwide must unite to defend democracy and counter shared challenges.
 
The chorus of support from African countries shows that Taiwan’s free and open economy, as well as its cooperation model based on pragmatic diplomacy and reciprocal assistance, are recognized by its partners in Africa, the MOFA said, adding that the government will continue to strengthen partnership with the African continent on the grounds of this rock-solid friendship.


Source: Noticias de Taiwan (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)