By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu has signed a declaration strengthening the diplomatic relations between Eswatini and Taiwan.
Shakantu has signed the declaration on Thursday last week with Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu. The two ministers inked the document, emphasising the “long-cherished friendship” and shared commitment to deepen cooperation.
Minister Shakantu, on a five-day visit, expressed gratitude for the transformative cooperation, stating, “Eswatini cherishes our alliance with Taiwan.” Taiwan and Eswatini closely collaborate in education, agriculture, health, and ICT, with Eswatini being a strong supporter of Taiwan’s international engagement.
Shakantu arrived in Taiwan last week Wednesday, together with her delegation. She was welcomed by outgoing Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday last week, a day she signed the declaration with Minister Wu.
During Minister Shakantu’s meeting with President Ing-wen, the outgoing President stated that she was grateful to the Kingdom of Eswatini for campaigning for the recognition of the island nation in international organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO). According to Taiwan Government’s website, President Ing-wen said her nation was deeply touched by Eswatini’s actions of speaking for its recognition in international meetings. The long standing relations between Taiwan and Eswatini, according to the President, had grown closer, according to the President.
