MBABANE: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has assured that the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan remains strong and unbreakable, despite mounting external pressure.
This was during her official visit to Taipei as special envoy of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Dladla met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Thursday, where she delivered a message from the King reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to its long-standing diplomatic ally.
Speaking at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Dladla said recent developments, including the cancellation of Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini, had only served to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
“These challenges have transformed our relationship from one of mere friendship into that of a family,” she said. “No force, no matter how strong, can break a family bond that has existed for the past 58 years. No enemy can come between a strong family.”
Her visit comes after Lai was forced to cancel his trip to Eswatini at the last minute following what Taiwanese authorities described as external pressure linked to China. Several countries, including Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, reportedly revoked overflight permissions for the Taiwanese leader’s aircraft.
Despite the setback, Dladla conveyed the King’s appreciation for Taiwan’s continued support, particularly the decision to send Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung as a special envoy to attend celebrations marking the King’s 58th birthday and his 40th anniversary on the throne.
She noted that Lin’s presence had made a significant impact during the celebrations and reiterated the King’s hope that Lai would visit Eswatini in the near future.
“You must come and visit the Kingdom to show the world that the airspace is free, independent, and that Africa has confidence in international law,” Dladla said.
In his remarks, Lai welcomed Dladla warmly, describing her visit as a clear demonstration that the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini remains steadfast.
“Though my visit to Eswatini was postponed due to external pressure, our partnership remains strong and we will continue to advance cooperation across all fronts,” Lai said.
He added that neither Taiwan nor Eswatini would bow to what he described as coercion or hegemonic influence, emphasizing the shared values that underpin the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
Taiwan and Eswatini have maintained formal diplomatic relations for nearly six decades, with the southern African kingdom remaining Taipei’s only ally on the continent. The partnership has been marked by cooperation in areas such as health, education, agriculture and infrastructure development.
Dladla and Lai struck today struck a defiant tone, insisting that their countries would continue to stand together despite mounting pressure.
“As family, we will continue to deepen our ties and support each other,” Dladla said.
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