Taiwan, Eswatini strengthen 58-year partnership

The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini have reaffirmed their long-standing friendship, with both sides pointing to stronger cooperation in energy, trade, industry, healthcare, education and investment.

The commitment was highlighted during Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebration held at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Wednesday evening, where Taiwan Chargé d’Affaires Ching Lin Tsuei and His Majesty King Mswati III’s representative, Prince Lonkhokhela, reflected on the 58-year relationship between the two countries.

Prince Lonkhokhela, who also serves as Minister for Natural Resources and energy, delivered the King’s speech and said the relationship had moved beyond traditional development assistance towards a broader partnership focused on shared development.

He said the Kingdom appreciated Taiwan’s continued support and the close relationship between the two countries, particularly during President Lai Ching-te’s state visit to Eswatini earlier this year.

The visit, which followed a period of uncertainty surrounding the President’s planned travel, was described as an important demonstration of the friendship between the two countries. President Lai was received with a military ceremony and a State Banquet during his visit, which coincided with celebrations marking His Majesty’s 40th anniversary on the throne and 58th birthday.

Prince Lonkhokhela said the visit also produced agreements intended to strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries. Among them was the Mutual Assistance Agreement on Customs Matters, which is expected to support smoother trade and business relations. A Joint Communiqué was also signed, reaffirming the two countries’ commitments to their bilateral relationship.

The two sides further agreed to advance the Strategic Fuel Reserve and the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park.

According to Prince Lonkhokhela, the Strategic Fuel Reserve, expected to be completed in 2028, will contribute towards strengthening Eswatini’s energy security. The Industrial Innovation Park is expected to bring together Taiwan’s industrial experience and Eswatini’s development priorities, with the potential to support investment, employment and industrial development.

Ching, in his remarks, similarly described the relationship as entering a new stage, with cooperation extending across energy, industry, trade and investment.

He also highlighted programmes that directly affect communities, including the Taiwan Medical Mission, which is now based at Manzini Government Hospital. The mission incorporates smart healthcare and telemedicine consultations, allowing patients in Eswatini to connect with medical specialists in Taiwan.

Women’s economic empowerment was another area highlighted during the evening. Ching said Taiwan had provided US$1.5 million, approximately E24.5 million, for a revolving fund supporting women entrepreneurs.

Prince Lonkhokhela noted that around 800 people had started or expanded businesses through the initiative, describing it as part of a partnership that reaches households and communities beyond major national projects. Education and food security also featured in the cooperation between the two countries.

Taiwan has increased its rice assistance to Eswatini from 1,200 to approximately 2,000 metric tons in response to food security challenges. Ching also noted that 61 young people from Eswatini received Taiwan scholarships this year to pursue higher education in Taiwan.

Prince Lonkhokhela said the students would return with qualifications, knowledge and new perspectives that could contribute to the country’s development.

The relationship has also continued at the diplomatic level, with Eswatini maintaining its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community, including the United Nations system and its specialised agencies.

Ching acknowledged Eswatini’s continued support, while also congratulating His Majesty on assuming the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Both speeches pointed to continued high-level exchanges between the two countries. Ching noted recent visits by Eswatini officials to Taiwan and announced that His Majesty is expected to visit Taiwan again, marking his 20th visit to the country.

As the two countries mark 58 years of diplomatic relations, both sides expressed a commitment to carrying the relationship forward.

Prince Lonkhokhela said Eswatini accepted Taiwan’s call to remain partners for the next 58 years and beyond, while Ching said Taiwan would continue working with Eswatini to combine its technology and experience with the Kingdom’s development vision.

The evening concluded with a toast to the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, as both countries looked ahead to continued cooperation and shared development.