Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has called for a deeper economic partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan, with trade, investment, technology, innovation and skills transfer expected to take centre stage during his engagements in the Asian nation.
The Prime Minister made the call upon his arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where he began an official visit aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s longstanding relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The Prime Minister said the visit presented an opportunity to advance the two countries’ shared priorities while opening new avenues of cooperation that could contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 
His arrival comes ahead of his participation in the Ketagelan Forum, where he is expected to contribute Eswatini’s perspectives on regional and global issues.
However, beyond the diplomatic engagements, the economic dimension of the visit is expected to be particularly significant,
with the Prime Minister specifically identifying trade and investment as areas where the relationship can be expanded.
Dlamini said he looked forward to engaging President Lai Ching-te and other Taiwanese leaders to explore opportunities to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“During my visit, I look forward to productive engagements with President Lai and other leaders of Taiwan as we explore new opportunities to deepen our strategic partnership, expand trade and investment,
strengthen technology and innovation cooperation, advance health and agricultural development, and promote skills transfer for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Taiwan has been a longstanding development partner of Eswatini, supporting the Kingdom in several sectors, including health, agriculture, education, technology, infrastructure and private sector development.
Dlamini acknowledged Taiwan’s contribution to Eswatini’s development, describing the Asian nation as a steadfast partner.
The PM expressed gratitude for this support, but his latest remarks suggest that Eswatini is now looking to broaden the relationship by pursuing greater commercial and investment opportunities.
Increasing trade and investment cooperation could potentially help Eswatini attract capital, expand business opportunities and strengthen economic activity.
The Prime Minister also identified agriculture and health as sectors where the two countries could advance cooperation. Dlamini said the two countries would explore ways of advancing development in both sectors.
Dlamini described the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan as one founded on mutual respect and shared values.
He said the partnership had endured over time and remained focused on improving the lives of the people of both countries.
“Ours is a partnership of principle and progress, one that has endured the test of time and continues to be strengthened by mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to improving the lives of our people,” he said.
He also conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Mswati III to President Lai and the people of Taiwan.
“On behalf of His Majesty the King and the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini, I look forward to participating in the Ketagelan Forum and contributing Eswatini’s perspectives on issues of regional and global importance,” Dlamini said.
He further conveyed the King’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Lai.
Dlamini expressed confidence that his visit would further consolidate the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
He said the engagements could open new avenues of cooperation capable of delivering benefits to future generations.
“I am confident that this visit will further consolidate the excellent relations between our two countries and open new avenues of cooperation that deliver lasting benefits for present and future generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister thanked the Taiwanese government and people for the warm reception extended to the Eswatini delegation upon arrival.
