Tainan:King Mswati III of Eswatini expressed his appreciation to Taiwan for its previous donation of military helicopters during a visit to an aviation training center, accompanied by President Lai Ching-te.

According to Focus Taiwan, the visit took place as part of the king's 20th journey to Taiwan since his coronation in 1986. His visit was primarily to attend the Republic of China National Day celebrations. The Republic of China is Taiwan's official name.

During their tour of the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command's Flight Training Command in Tainan, King Mswati III and his wife, Inkhosikati Make Zuma, were shown military helicopters. They also operated a flight simulator and the king sat in the cockpit of a Black Hawk helicopter.

President Lai highlighted that Taiwan donated two retired UH-1H helicopters to Eswatini in 2020. Additionally, between 2019 and 2020, the command trained 11 pilots and maintenance personnel from Eswatini. Lai thanked the personnel for their role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini.

King Mswati III thanked Taiwan for the helicopters and training, noting the helicopters' crucial role in medical transport missions within Eswatini. He also expressed interest in further cooperation in aviation development.

The king's visit itinerary includes observing 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.