BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku has pledged continued support for Taiwan.
Masuku said Eswatini and its government will continue standing with Taiwan and support the nation’s international participation during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen while on his visit to the country.
Masuku said Taiwan can contribute greatly to the world and Eswatini would continue to speak up for Taiwan and support its inclusion in international organisations, global forums and the UN system.
“The warm and reciprocal relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan has lasted for more than a half-century. My country will keep working with Taiwan to overcome difficulties,” he said.
Masuku then thanked Taiwan for its assistance to Eswatini in all domains, including helping to bring electricity to the country’s most remote areas.
‘‘About 85 per cent of Eswatini’s population has access to electricity, one of the highest in Africa,’’ he said.
Worth noting is that Taiwan has helped the African ally build a state-of-the-art hospital equipped with medical equipment of the highest standard, which increased the capacity of the local medical system.
‘‘The medical supplies provided by Taiwan saved thousands of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan also helped Eswatini improve disaster preparedness and mitigation and provided,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Tah-ray Yui warmly welcomed Eswatini Masuku and his delegation to Taiwan.
Masuku’s trip comes after a visit by Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini in March and by King Mswati III in October last year, which fully demonstrates the importance Eswatini attaches to the friendship with Taiwan, according to Taiwan news sites One would know Eswatini has long been a vocal supporter of Taiwan on the global stage, it said, adding that Eswatini Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi urged the WHO to include Taiwan at the World Health Assembly last month.
