Lozitha – Taiwan and India have outlined new opportunities for cooperation with Eswatini, including industrial development, investment, education, technology and skills development.
The opportunities were highlighted at Lozitha Royal Palace on Thursday when His Majesty King Mswati III received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E Ching-Lin Tsuei, and the High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of India, H.E Anand Prakash.
The engagements highlighted the continued strengthening of Eswatini’s relations with the two countries, with both envoys outlining initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.
Accepting the Letters of Credence, His Majesty reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India and Taiwan in various sectors.
The King encouraged the incoming envoys to explore further avenues for collaboration in education, tourism, agriculture, cultural exchange and information and communication technology (ICT) innovations, describing these sectors as crucial drivers of economic development, prosperity and transformation.
Ambassador Tsuei expressed gratitude to His Majesty for the warm welcome and said Taiwan and Eswatini had built an enduring friendship over nearly six decades.
He also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during his State Visit to Eswatini in May, saying the visit demonstrated the strength of the diplomatic relationship and the friendship between the two peoples.
Tsuei said the visit had given new momentum to the bilateral relationship and reaffirmed its foundation for future cooperation.
He said Taiwan looked forward to welcoming His Majesty for his forthcoming State Visit to Taiwan on October 8.
The ambassador said Taiwan would continue advancing strategic initiatives under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility.
He said the initiatives would bring together government partnerships, private sector investment, technology and trade to create new opportunities for Emaswati’s economic transformation.
Tsuei added that the initiatives were also expected to strengthen business-to-business ties between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Meanwhile, High Commissioner Prakash said India and Eswatini shared old and deep-rooted ties, describing the bilateral relationship as close, friendly and cordial.
He said India’s longstanding friendship with Eswatini was founded on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared commitment to the priorities of the Global South.
Prakash also thanked His Majesty for the provision of land for the construction of the Indian High Commission.
He said the lease deed had been signed and India had taken possession of the plot, with construction of the new chancery expected to begin soon.
The High Commissioner further welcomed the opening of Eswatini’s Residential Mission in New Delhi.
On education, Prakash said Eswatini had utilised about 130 scholarships under the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) over the past four years.
He said the strong response from Eswatini had resulted in the Indian Government increasing the number of scholarships allocated to the Kingdom from 30 to 40 this year.
Prakash also announced that India had curated special courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with one slot offered to Eswatini each year.
The new diplomatic engagements come as Eswatini continues to strengthen its relations with both countries across economic, educational, technological and cultural sectors.
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