October 25, 2022
No. 309
A delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by His Majesty King Mswati III completed its visit to Taiwan and departed this morning. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Alexander Tah-ray Yui bid the delegation farewell at the airport on behalf of the government.
During King Mswati’s state visit, numerous important achievements were made, setting new milestones in bilateral cooperation and friendly relations between Taiwan and Eswatini. King Mswati III met with President Tsai Ing-wen and was welcomed with military honors. The two heads of state witnessed the signing of a joint declaration between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. In the declaration, Eswatini reaffirmed its firm support for Taiwan on the international stage and the two countries committed to bolstering cooperation on economic development and other domains.
In addition, King Mswati III attended a dinner hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu. He also met with Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua to exchange views on bilateral cooperation in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, and commerce. To give all sectors of Taiwan a better understanding of the investment and business climate in Eswatini and the African continent in general, the visiting delegation held a seminar on exploring investment opportunities, which was presided over by King Mswati III and which attracted nearly a hundred Taiwanese companies. At the event, King Mswati III witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for cooperation between GEOSAT Aerospace and Technology Inc., a Taiwanese enterprise, and the Eswatini Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade. Private enterprises and the economic and trade government agencies of Taiwan and Eswatini engaged in comprehensive exchanges and discussions on business opportunities in Africa and strategic plans to develop African markets.
While visiting the Taoyuan refinery of CPC Corp., Taiwan, King Mswati III discussed with related experts using Taiwan’s national development as reference for Eswatini. The King dispatched officials from the Eswatini Royal Science and Technology Park on a visit to the Hsinchu Science Park, where an MOU was signed to promote technology cooperation. Members of the delegation also held consultations on cultural and educational cooperation and exchanges with relevant Taiwanese agencies.
This was King Mswati III’s 18th official visit to Taiwan since ascending to the throne. The further strengthening of cordial relations in politics, the economy, technology, culture, and education during this trip heralds a new chapter in the diplomatic partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini, which has endured for 54 years. The two countries share a long history of close friendship and diplomatic bonds and will continue to build on the excellent foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit to further enhance the welfare of their peoples. (E)