President Lai Ching-te accompanied King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Inkhosikati LaZuma on a visit to the Army Aviation Flight Training Command this morning. They learned firsthand about the Armed Forces’ aviation training achievements and experienced a flight simulation system. The visit highlighted the deep friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini and their shared hope of further expanding bilateral cooperation and exchanges.
Upon arrival, President Lai and King Mswati III first received a briefing on the flight simulation system and operated the simulator themselves. They then proceeded to an equipment display area to learn about the capabilities and mission profiles of various helicopters and assault vehicles. The visit provided an overview of the Army’s aviation training capacity and equipment operations.
In his remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Eswatini have built a deep friendship over 58 years of diplomatic relations. The Army Aviation Flight Training Command is responsible for training the Armed Forces’ helicopter pilots and aviation maintenance personnel. From 2019 to 2020, in conjunction with the transfer of UH-1H helicopters, the Command helped train 11 Eswatini pilots and maintenance officers. Taiwan also dispatched instructors to Eswatini to share their flight and maintenance expertise, laying a strong foundation for closer bilateral cooperation.
In his remarks, King Mswati III thanked Taiwan for its longstanding assistance in training Eswatini’s aviation professionals and providing helicopters. He emphasized that the aircraft have been used in such missions as emergency medical evacuation, playing an important role in protecting lives. The King also commended Taiwan’s achievements in aviation training and technological development, expressing hope that the two countries will continue sharing professional knowledge and experience while deepening cooperation across various fields.
President Lai emphasized that King Mswati III’s 20th visit to Taiwan fully demonstrates his support for Taiwan and the strength of the friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the visit would further promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation and make the Taiwan-Eswatini friendship even stronger. Also attending the event were National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu Jaushieh ; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Wu Chih-chung; Vice Minister of National Defense General Chung Shu-ming; Chief of Army General Lu Kun-hsiu; and Army Aviation and Special Forces Command Commander Lieutenant General Yang Cheng-hua.