Mbabane – His Majesty King Mswati III has called for existing agreements between Eswatini and Taiwan to be translated into practical action, urging officials to explore effective ways of implementing commitments made by the two countries.
His Majesty made the call on Friday during his state visit to Taiwan, where he was received by President Lai Ching-te at a military welcoming ceremony in Taipei.
The visit, which is expected to run until October 17, comes as the two countries celebrate 58 years of diplomatic relations.
His Majesty King Mswati III is in Taiwan to attend the country’s National Day celebrations on Saturday, October 10, where he is among more than 200 foreign guests expected to participate in this year’s festivities.
“We need to put them into action,” the King said, emphasising the need for officials to examine how the agreements could be implemented effectively and for businesses in both countries to establish partnerships.
The King’s remarks place the implementation of bilateral commitments at the centre of his visit, which follows President Lai’s state visit to Eswatini in May this year. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since September 16, 1968.
During the welcoming ceremony, President Lai called for deeper cooperation with Eswatini, citing opportunities in healthcare, education, vocational training, digital technology, infrastructure and energy.
He said cooperation had expanded under Taiwan’s diplomatic initiative to promote shared prosperity with its allies, with exchanges between the peoples of the two countries becoming increasingly close.
President Lai also thanked His Majesty for supporting the establishment of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini and expressed hope that more Taiwanese companies would invest in the Kingdom.
He said the investment initiative could help position Eswatini as a gateway to African markets, opening opportunities for stronger business links between the two countries.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which President Lai described as a milestone in law enforcement cooperation.
He said the agreement would strengthen mutual assistance and exchanges, support the rule of law and contribute to a safer environment for the people of both countries.
His Majesty also reaffirmed Eswatini’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other multilateral organisations.
President Lai thanked the Kingdom for its support, particularly the King’s call during this year’s United Nations General Assembly for ways to facilitate Taiwan’s substantive participation in UN meetings and activities.
The issue remains an important part of Taiwan’s diplomatic engagement, as the island seeks greater international participation while maintaining official relations with a limited number of diplomatic allies.
Eswatini is Taiwan’s only remaining official diplomatic ally in Africa.
President Lai also recalled the difficulties surrounding his planned visit to Eswatini in April this year, which was disrupted after Taiwan accused China of pressuring several African countries to deny overflight permissions.
His Majesty subsequently sent his aircraft to enable President Lai to travel to the Kingdom for his state visit in May.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the King’s programme includes observing a joint ground-air military exercise alongside President Lai, visiting an agricultural research centre and attending an investment dinner hosted by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
The state visit offers the two countries an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations, explore investment opportunities and advance cooperation in areas identified by their leaders.
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