Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a joint statement May 21 in Taipei City to reaffirm their solid diplomatic relationship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The document was inked by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Pholile Shakantu, the African ally’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation. The two countries are also dedicated to enhancing cooperation in areas spanning agriculture, education, investment, medical care, mutual legal assistance, public health, trade, vocational training, women’s empowerment and youth employment, as well as combating cross-border crime and preventing information manipulation.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Lai Ching-te and King Mswati III following their meeting at the Presidential Office earlier that day. Those in attendance included Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an, National Security Council Secretary-General Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei and Yang Chin-long, governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
According to the MOFA, the accord is the first collaboration document signed with an ally since Lai took office. It demonstrates the deep friendship between the two sides and Eswatini’s staunch support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, the ministry said.
Taiwan and Eswatini established official relations in 1968, the MOFA said, adding that it is committed to deepening partnership with the kingdom across the board.
The two heads of state also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on building a digital business plan by Kuo and his counterpart Manqoba Khumalo, as well as another MOU on central bank cooperation by Yang and his counterpart Phil Mnisi. (YCH-E)
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