By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu is on her way to visit Taiwan to strengthen Eswatini and Taiwan’s relationship, among other things.
According to a statement released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Shakantu and her delegation will arrive in Taiwan today for a five-day visit. The delegation is scheduled to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Lai Ching-te separately during its visit from January 31 to February 4, 2024, MOFA said.
Shakantu will also attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, and the two top diplomats will sign a communiqué to “reaffirm the robust relations” between the two nations, MOFA said.
In addition, the delegation will visit government agencies in Taiwan responsible for digital affairs, energy, culture, and information technology, and meet with representatives from Taiwanese companies interested in investing in Eswatini, according to MOFA.
Though Shakantu is in Taiwan at the invitation of Taiwan’s government with meetings planned with government officials and business representatives, MOFA did not specify if the trip would have any specific mission.
Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu
Shakantu, who had previously served as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, assumed the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in November 2023, following parliamentary elections in Eswatini, MOFA’s statement said.
MOFA described Shakantu’s visit as a testament to the African nation’s support for bilateral relations at a time when China has “made every effort to try to sabotage Taiwan’s ties with its allies.”
Shakantu will be joined by her husband Michelo Shakantu and one of her deputies, Vulindlela Kunene, MOFA said. Eswatini is the only country in Africa and one of only 12 countries in the world that formally recognise the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name).
