The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have signed a cooperation agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, strengthening collaboration between the two countries in investigating and prosecuting crimes with international links.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs His Royal Highness Prince Simelane and his Taiwanese counterpart,
Minister Cheng Ming-chien, in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te at the presidential residence in Taipei. 
The agreement establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the two countries to cooperate more effectively on criminal justice matters, particularly in gathering evidence, securing witness cooperation, sharing information, recovering assets and supporting cross-border law enforcement efforts.
Through the arrangement, Eswatini and Taiwan seek to strengthen their ability to investigate and prosecute criminal cases that extend beyond their respective borders, while respecting each country’s sovereignty and legal systems.
The cooperation is expected to provide a formal basis for the exchange of assistance in criminal investigations and prosecutions, recognising the importance of collaboration when evidence, witnesses or assets are located in different jurisdictions.
The signing comes as the two countries continue to strengthen their longstanding diplomatic relationship, with cooperation extending beyond political engagement to include legal and institutional matters.
Meanwhile, His Majesty King Mswati III has reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities and structures of the United Nations and other international platforms.
The King made the commitment while delivering his speech during the military welcome ceremony held in Taipei ahead of Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebrations. His Majesty received a full military salute and inspected the guard alongside President Lai.
“It is a pleasure to stand beside you again, united by our commitment to carry this friendship forward. We approach this visit with confidence in the future of our partnership and a determination to ensure that it continues to bring lasting benefits to our peoples,” His Majesty said.
The King also conveyed his wishes for peace, wellbeing and prosperity for the Taiwanese people, expressing appreciation for the warm welcome accorded to him and the Eswatini delegation.
“May the people of Taiwan continue to enjoy peace, wellbeing and prosperity. Thank you once again for the honour bestowed upon us and for the warmth of your welcome.
May the friendship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
President Lai expressed appreciation for the continued support Taiwan receives from His Majesty and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, noting that the two countries had maintained diplomatic relations for 58 years.
He said the relationship remained strong and expressed the wish to see the partnership grow even stronger.
Eswatini has continued to support Taiwan’s call for meaningful participation in international organisations and global platforms, while the two countries maintain diplomatic and bilateral cooperation.
The signing of the mutual legal assistance agreement adds criminal justice cooperation to the areas in which the two countries are working together, providing a framework for assistance in cases involving cross-border criminal activity.
