Mbabane – Eswatini will continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, newly appointed Ambassador Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene has said.
Kunene said global challenges could not be effectively addressed while Taiwan’s knowledge, resources and experience remained excluded from international mechanisms.
He made the remarks on Monday, October 5, 2026, after formally presenting his Letters of Credence to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, marking the official commencement of his tenure as Eswatini’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Kunene said Eswatini’s position was not only an expression of friendship with Taiwan, but also a principled position based on fairness, inclusion and the practical requirements of effective international cooperation.
“Eswatini will therefore continue to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations and mechanisms where its contribution can benefit humanity,” he said.
The ambassador identified pandemics, cybercrime and disruptions to international supply chains among global challenges that required international cooperation.
He said excluding Taiwan’s more than 23 million people from international mechanisms meant that their knowledge, resources and experience could not fully contribute to addressing such challenges.
Kunene also conveyed to President Lai the warmest greetings and best wishes from His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
He said the King and Queen Mother recalled their many engagements with Taiwan’s leadership and people and attached the highest importance to the special friendship between the two countries.
Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained diplomatic relations for 58 years, with Eswatini remaining Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa.
Turning to bilateral cooperation, Kunene highlighted the visible impact of Taiwan’s partnership with Eswatini in several sectors.
He said Taiwanese medical teams continued working alongside Emaswati health professionals, while the partnership was also evident in agriculture, schools, universities and technical and vocational training programmes.
He further highlighted scholarships that have enabled Emaswati to acquire knowledge and skills in Taiwan.
According to Kunene, the longstanding relationship has increasingly extended into major economic and infrastructure initiatives.
He cited the International Convention Centre, Strategic Oil Reserve Facility and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park as examples of the partnership entering a new phase focused on investment, industrialisation, energy security, technology transfer and employment creation.
Kunene also highlighted Taiwan-supported rural electrification projects, saying communities across Eswatini’s countryside now “light up like stars” at night.
He pledged to promote closer cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The ambassador also conveyed King Mswati III’s appreciation for the invitation extended to him to participate in this year’s Double Ten National Day celebrations.
President Lai welcomed Kunene to his new post and said the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini had stood the test of time despite changes in the international landscape.
Lai said Taiwan would continue working with Eswatini on projects including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park, while expanding cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, education, trade and technology.
The Taiwanese president also said he looked forward to welcoming King Mswati III to Taiwan in the coming days.
The expected visit follows Lai’s visit to Eswatini in May 2026, when he met King Mswati III and held engagements focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
Eswatini’s continued advocacy for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations comes as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in development, investment, technology and other areas of mutual interest.
Discussion about this post