Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
April 23, 2025
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good afternoon! Siyanivusela Bekunene!
I am deeply honored to be visiting Eswatini on behalf of President Lai Ching-te. It is a pleasure to join the people of Eswatini in celebrating Your Majesty’s birthday. Another important reason for this trip is to take part in the project unveiling ceremony for Eswatini’s strategic oil reserve facility. This marks a milestone in cooperation between our countries. I would like to thank Your Majesty for his gracious invitation and warm hospitality.
I also want to congratulate the government and people of Eswatini. Through our joint efforts, construction on this important project starts today. This is a moment that Your Majesty and the people of Eswatini have looked forward to for a long time.
Taiwan and Eswatini have been diplomatic allies for 57 years. Over the decades, we have built up a lasting and strong partnership. When Your Majesty asked President Tsai Ing-wen for Taiwan to assist Eswatini in building a strategic oil reserve, we offered our full support without hesitation. Taiwan’s Overseas Investment and Development Corporation put together an experienced construction team. CECI Engineering Consultants worked with the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) to organize project management. And Taiwan provided financial assistance to ensure the seamless execution of the project and meet Your Majesty’s expectations.
Thanks to Your Majesty’s support, the Taiwanese construction team signed an engineering, procurement, and construction contract with the ENPC on November 26. This was an important step in the development of the project. Even more encouraging, after detailed discussions, our governments will sign a loan agreement. This gives added momentum to the biggest-ever cooperation project between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Under Your Majesty’s wise and visionary leadership, today’s project unveiling ceremony represents a major step forward in Eswatini’s national development. It also marks a new chapter in bilateral relations. I have full confidence in the experience and ability of the construction team. I believe that Your Majesty will take great pride in the quality of the oil reserve when it is finished. And I have no doubt that this project will bolster Eswatini’s energy security, create more employment opportunities, and drive economic growth.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to share some of my personal impressions with Your Majesty and the people of Eswatini. This is the first African country that I have visited. In the short time that I have been here, I have seen unlimited opportunities for Eswatini’s development. There is huge potential in modern transportation systems, upgraded hospitals and infrastructure, and advancements in the agriculture, tourism, and ICT industries.
Taiwan is Eswatini’s loyal and steadfast partner. We are a friend who will always stand by your side. Over the past 57 years, our nations have always supported each other. Taiwan will continue to work closely with Eswatini on education, health care, infrastructure, agriculture, and other fields. We are fully committed to helping Your Majesty realize your vision for national development. I firmly believe that cooperation and mutual support between our countries will bring benefits to both our peoples.
Your Majesty has been a strong supporter of Taiwan-Eswatini relations, for which I am very grateful. Under your wise leadership, our friendship has continued to deepen. Eswatini is a powerful advocate for Taiwan on the international stage. This reassures us that we can always count on you. On behalf of the government of Taiwan, I sincerely thank Eswatini. I trust that Eswatini will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and activities. This is very important to us.
Finally, I would like to wish Your Majesty a very happy birthday. May Her Majesty the Queen Mother also enjoy good health, may the Kingdom of Eswatini continue to prosper, and may the friendship between our nations go from strength to strength. Siyabonga Kakhuru.