ESWATINI and Taiwan have pledged to deepen their 58-year diplomatic relationship through strategic cooperation in energy security, industrial development, trade and investment.
The commitment was made during the 115th National Day celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Wednesday night.
Taiwan’s Chargé d’Affaires Ching Lin Tsuei and His Majesty King Mswati III outlined plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with the king represented by Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela.
The proposed Strategic Fuel Reserve and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park were highlighted as key projects expected to strengthen energy security, attract investment, create employment and support industrial development.
The king said the partnership was moving beyond traditional development assistance towards a strategic relationship.
“We welcome your description of our cooperation as entering a new stage, moving from traditional development assistance towards a strategic partnership in energy security, industrial development, trade and investment. It is a stage that Eswatini embraces wholeheartedly,” he said.
The Strategic Fuel Reserve is expected to be completed in 2028 and is intended to strengthen the country’s energy security and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park is expected to combine Taiwan’s industrial expertise with Eswatini’s development priorities to attract investment and technology, create jobs and strengthen the industrial base.
His Majesty called on government and relevant institutions to work closely with their Taiwanese counterparts to ensure that the projects were implemented on schedule and to the required standards.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and business relations following the signing of a Mutual Assistance Agreement on Customs Matters during Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s state visit to Eswatini in May.
The agreement was witnessed by the king and President Lai alongside a Joint Communiqué reaffirming their friendship, mutual trust, shared values and commitment to peace, stability and sustainable prosperity.
Tsuei also reflected on President Lai’s state visit, which had been temporarily postponed in April following what Taiwan described as external political pressure.
“President Lai’s State visit to Eswatini was temporarily postponed because of external political pressure. But Taiwan did not step back and Eswatini did not change its position,” he said.
He said Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung subsequently travelled to Eswatini as President Lai’s special envoy before the Taiwanese leader arrived and completed his State visit.
Tsuei thanked the king for his continued support, including providing an aircraft that enabled President Lai to travel safely to the kingdom.
The king said President Lai’s presence during Eswatini’s national celebrations was significant, particularly as the country marked the king’s 40th year of reign and his 58th birthday.
“It was my wish that our dear friend, His Excellency President Lai Ching-te, join us in these national celebrations and I was deeply moved that he accepted my invitation,” he said.
The king said the visit demonstrated the affection and respect between the two countries.
“A true friend is one who stands with you when times are difficult. I agree and would add that a true friend is also one who comes to celebrate with you in times of joy. This year, Taiwan has been both,” His Majesty said.
Beyond infrastructure and industrial projects, the two countries highlighted cooperation in healthcare, entrepreneurship, food security, education and information and communications technology.
Tsuei said Taiwan’s Medical Mission was now based at Manzini Government Hospital, bringing medical services closer to the population.
Taiwan has also provided US$1.5 million, approximately E24.5 million, for a revolving fund supporting women entrepreneurs. The king said about 800 people had started or expanded their businesses through the fund, helping strengthen household incomes and communities.
Education was also highlighted, with Tsuei announcing that 61 young people from Eswatini had received Taiwanese scholarships this year to pursue higher education in Taiwan.
The king said the scholarships would provide young people with qualifications, knowledge and new perspectives that could contribute to national development when they returned home.
“I expect them to serve the nation with distinction,” he said.
