Premier Chen Chien-jen on Tuesday received a delegation led by Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Taiwan and Eswatini have maintained diplomatic relations for 55 years and provided each other with assistance throughout that time, the premier said, and both will continue working together in the future, strengthening the two nations' partnership through collaborative projects. The premier hopes that based on this existing partnership, Prime Minister Dlamini's continued support will pave the way for more cooperative opportunities, bringing even more accomplishments to fruition and deepening the friendship between the two countries.
The premier said the Kingdom of Eswatini has always been an active supporter of Taiwan's participation in the international community and has spoken out on behalf of Taiwan at international organizations such as the World Health Assembly and the International Civil Aviation Organization. In particular, Prime Minister Dlamini recently advocated for Taiwan at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and during the world leaders' summit at both the 26th and 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26 and COP27). The premier took the opportunity to thank the prime minister and the people of Eswatini for resolutely making their voices heard regarding Taiwan's international participation, and he hopes Eswatini will continue to assist Taiwan in expanding its participation in international affairs to allow for greater contributions to the international community.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dlamini said the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan have enjoyed a solid relationship for more than five decades, founded on mutual respect and placing the needs of the people foremost. The Kingdom of Eswatini is grateful for the many areas of mutual cooperation and support afforded by Taiwan's government and its people, including trade and investment, infrastructure and development, education, public health, information and communications technology, agriculture, women's empowerment, rural electrification and rural water supply. Prime Minister Dlamini added that he was confident that the renewal of the cooperation agreement protocol between Taiwan and Eswatini will contribute to improving infrastructure and the overall development of his nation.
Through its socioeconomic contributions, Taiwan has proven that it is a sovereign nation that is committed to selflessly serving the world. Prime Minister Dlamini said the Kingdom of Eswatini would continue to advocate for Taiwan's participation in international bodies and added that he believes this advocacy will soon yield positive results.