BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOZITHA – The long-standing partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan is set for further strengthening when His Majesty King Mswati III undertakes a State Visit to Taiwan on October 8, with Taiwan Ambassador-designate Ching-Lin Tsuei saying the visit will open another chapter in the two countries’ close relations.
Tsuei made the remarks on Thursday evening when presenting his Letters of Credence to His Majesty at Lozitha Royal Palace, where he reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Eswatini.
The ambassador said he looked forward to welcoming the King and his delegation to Taiwan, describing the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the bond between the two countries.
“Siyakwamukela eTaiwan Ngwenyama,” Tsuei told the King, saying Taiwan would receive him with the same warmth, friendship and hospitality that Taiwan had received from Eswatini.
He said the forthcoming visit would build on the historic State Visit to Eswatini by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in May.
The visit by President Lai resulted in the signing of a joint communiqué and a customs mutual assistance agreement, with both sides committing to strengthening bilateral cooperation and trade relations.
Tsuei said the relationship, which dates back nearly six decades, had been built through generations of leaders, officials, professionals and ordinary citizens working together.
He said his priority would be to safeguard that legacy while expanding the partnership into new areas.
“Inspired by His Majesty’s vision of Nkwe, Taiwan stands ready to work hand in hand with Eswatini to turn our strong political friendship into concrete opportunities for economic growth and improved livelihoods,” he said.
The ambassador pointed to the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project as one of the mechanisms through which the two countries would pursue strategic initiatives, including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and the Strategic Oil Reserve facility.
He said Taiwan also intended to continue sharing its expertise with Eswatini in areas including public health, education, agriculture and sustainable development.
According to Tsuei, the objective was to ensure that the longstanding diplomatic relationship translated into tangible benefits for ordinary people while creating opportunities for economic transformation and stronger business-to-business relations.
The two countries have continued to expand cooperation in recent years. In April, Taiwan and Eswatini marked the opening of the International Convention Centre, a bilateral partnership project, while Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini visited Taiwan in August and highlighted cooperation in areas including healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, trade, digital transformation and youth empowerment.
Tsuei also commended the King’s role in regional affairs, particularly his chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
He said Taiwan valued Eswatini’s contribution to peace, stability and the rule of law in the region.
The ambassador further expressed appreciation for Eswatini’s continued support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
He said the geographical distance between the two countries had not prevented them from developing what she described as a relationship founded on partnership, mutual respect and a shared aspiration for a better future.
Tsuei said he would work closely with His Majesty, the Government and the people of Eswatini to deepen economic and people-to-people ties and turn the two countries’ shared aspirations into lasting achievements.
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