Swaziland’s foreign affairs minister reaffirmed the country’s ties with Taiwan, describing the relationship between the two countries as a marriage that will not end in a divorce, even if China were to approach the country.
During a talk with Taiwanese media on Tuesday, Swazi Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lutfo Dlamini said that Swaziland and Taiwan “have [been] married for 42 years and we have a provision that there is no room for divorce.”
The diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Swaziland has existed for 42 years, and Swazi officials eagerly wish to extend the political ties to economic areas by attracting Taiwanese investors and tourists to the country.
“Over the years, we have seen over US$90 million [of] investment coming from Taiwan ... we would want to send this message to Taiwan that Swaziland is ready to do business with our friends,” said Dlamini, who arranged the trip for Taiwanese reporters to visit his country.
Swaziland, one of Taiwan’s four diplomatic allies in Africa, has been supportive of Taiwan’s bid to join international organizations.
“We are proud of ourselves that we have always stood by Taiwan, even in the United Nations. This is why we take pride that today Taiwan is part of the World Health Organization, and this is our wish that one day Taiwan will be recognized by all the bodies because of the value and the role the people of Taiwan play in the development of the world,” Dlamini said.
Asked by reporters if China has tried to force the country to switch allegiance to Beijing, Dlamini said that “they [have] yet to approach” the country.
“But let me give this example: When you are young and beautiful, a lot of men want to marry you, and there is nothing wrong with that,” Dlamini said.
Source: Taipei Times - 2010/07/22
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