Tainan:During his visit to Taiwan, King Mswati III of Eswatini expressed his gratitude for Taiwan's donation of military helicopters, as he toured an aviation training center in Tainan alongside President Lai Ching-te.
According to Focus Taiwan, the king's visit marked his 20th trip to Taiwan since ascending the throne in 1986, primarily to attend the Republic of China National Day celebrations. The Republic of China is Taiwan's official name.
On Sunday, King Mswati III, accompanied by his wife Inkhosikati Make Zuma, visited the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command's Flight Training Command in Tainan. They viewed military helicopters and tried a flight simulator, with the king also sitting in a Black Hawk helicopter cockpit.
President Lai highlighted Taiwan's donation of two retired UH-1H helicopters to Eswatini in 2020 and the training of 11 Eswatini pilots and maintenance personnel between 2019 and 2020. He thanked those involved for strengthening diplomatic relations.
King Mswati praised the helicopters' role in the Umbutfo eSwatini Defence Force Air Wing, noting their importance in medical transport. He acknowledged Taiwan's advancements in aviation and anticipated further collaboration.
The king's schedule includes attending a joint military exercise, visiting an agricultural research center, and attending an investment dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. His visit is set to conclude on October 17.
