News & activities
News releases
On the morning of November 25, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai thanked Eswatini for speaking out in support of Taiwan at international forums over the years. The president noted that cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini has been fruitful in areas such as agriculture, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and renewable energy. He expressed hope that we will continue working together to make Eswatini an important base for linking Taiwan with African markets, creating even more opportunities for cooperation and spurring progress and prosperity in our nations and around the world.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I extend a warm welcome to Speaker Mabuza, who is leading a delegation to Taiwan after his last visit in 2018, and also to the members of the House of Assembly, who are here for the first time. Your presence is a demonstration of Eswatini’s strong support for Taiwan and a sign that diplomatic ties between our countries continue to deepen. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to express my gratitude to you all. I also want to thank Speaker Mabuza for signing an economic cooperation agreement with Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini when he visited in 2018 in his capacity as minister of commerce, industry and trade. The agreement laid a solid foundation for bilateral economic and trade interactions. I am confident that this visit will give Speaker Mabuza and the delegation a more comprehensive understanding of Taiwan and create greater opportunities for bilateral exchanges and collaboration.
Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini has been fruitful in areas such as agriculture, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and renewable energy. In particular, our two countries are working together to build a strategic oil reserve facility, which will not only enhance Eswatini’s energy security but also advance its sustainable development. Eswatini is Taiwan’s key ally in Africa. Home to a stable investment environment and an outstanding talent pool, Eswatini is also an important member of the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Taiwan sees enormous potential for further developing the partnership with Eswatini. Moving forward, we will continue to encourage more companies in Taiwan to expand their global presence and market worldwide, and make Eswatini an important base for linking Taiwan with African markets. This will create even more opportunities for cooperation.
On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would also like to express heartfelt thanks to Eswatini for speaking out in support of Taiwan at international forums over the years. At this year’s United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty King Mswati III called to end the misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and include Taiwan so that the UN can fulfill its mandate that no country is left behind. This staunch backing gives Taiwan additional strength to collaborate and deepen partnerships with Eswatini and other like-minded countries. I look forward, with the efforts of our esteemed guests, to continued development, spurring progress and prosperity in our nations and around the world.
In closing, I once again thank Speaker Mabuza for leading this delegation to Taiwan. Please convey greetings from Taiwan to the king and queen mother. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit.
Speaker Mabuza then delivered remarks, saying that it is his singular honor for him to stand here today as the speaker of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He then conveyed warm greetings from His Majesty King Mswati III and the Indlovukazi and the people of Eswatini, extending their sincerest appreciation for the unwavering support and friendship that Taiwan has consistently demonstrated towards their nation. He remarked that their visit to Taiwan has been a remarkable journey filled with insightful meetings, enriching cultural exchanges, and a deepened understanding of Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in various fields. He noted that they are particularly impressed by Taiwan’s technological advancement, vibrant democracy, commitment to social welfare, and environmental sustainability, adding that these are qualities they admire and aspire to emulate in their own development endeavors in Eswatini.
Speaker Mabuza said that President Lai’s leadership and vision for Taiwan’s future are truly inspiring, and that the emphasis on innovation, education, and people-centered policies resonates deeply with their own national aspirations. He stated that as we navigate the challenges of our time, from climate change to economic inequality, they believe our nations can learn from each other and work together to find solutions that benefit not just our peoples, but the global community at large.
Speaker Mabuza pointed out that diplomatic relations between our two countries are a testament to our shared values of sovereignty, mutual respect, and cooperation. He stated that Eswatini cherishes the strong bonds we have forged over the years and is committed to further strengthening those ties. Whether through economic partnership, cultural exchanges, or collaborative efforts in areas such as healthcare and technology, he said, they see vast potential for growth and mutual benefit.
Speaker Mabuza expressed hope of continuing our fruitful relationship and exploring new avenues of cooperation so that together, we can build a brighter future for our citizens and contribute positively to regional and global peace and prosperity. In closing, the speaker once again thanked Taiwan for the warm hospitality and for being a steadfast friend to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The delegation also included House of Assembly Members Lindiwe Mamba, Joseph Souza, Jabulane M. Simelane, and Allen Vilane.
