Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, has welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Dr. Lin Chia-lung, at the King Mswati III International Airport yesterday, which was the beginning of a significant five-day working visit for the Taiwanese Minister in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Dr. Lin is visiting as a special envoy of the President of Taiwan, H.E. Lai Ching-te, to represent his country during the 57th birthday celebration of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The visit highlights the enduring and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations between Eswatini and Taiwan, which date back to 1968.
During his stay, Minister Lin is expected to engage in high-level meetings with Her Majesty Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and Minister Shakantu herself. T
he talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in strategic areas such as health, digital infrastructure, and economic development.
A key highlight of the itinerary includes discussions and site visits related to major joint initiatives: a new oil storage project aimed at improving national energy security, women’s microfinance initiatives designed to empower local entrepreneurs, and the ongoing development of 5G smart city technologies.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu in discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China
(Taiwan), Dr. Lin Chia-lung after his arrival.
Minister Lin will also inspect the Taiwan-funded emergency facility at Mbabane Government Hospital, which stands as a symbol of the deep-rooted healthcare cooperation between the two nations.
As part of the visit, Taiwan and Eswatini will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen efforts against disinformation, an important step in building cybersecurity capacity and defending democratic values.
Dr. Lin is accompanied by a business delegation exploring commercial, investment, and labour collaboration opportunities. Media reports from Taiwan asserted that the delegation’s presence signals Taiwan’s commitment to supporting economic growth in Eswatini through sustainable partnerships.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Eswatini remains one of its strongest diplomatic allies and continues to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations.
The ministry noted that Lin’s visit is expected to further solidify the bond between the two nations and explore new areas of bilateral cooperation.
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