MBABANE-Prime Minister (PM), Russell Mmiso Dlamini, has reaffirmed Eswatini’s enduring partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting the importance of continued cooperation in advancing shared priorities of peace, development, innovation and inclusive prosperity.
Speaking upon his arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Monday evening, the PM said his visit represented an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations and to advance areas of mutual interest.
Addressing Their Excellencies, ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished guests, the PM expressed his honour at being in Taiwan and said he looked forward to participating in the Ketagelan Forum, where he would contribute Eswatini’s perspectives on matters of regional and global importance.
“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,” the PM said.
He conveyed His Majesty the King’s warm greetings and best wishes to His Excellency President Lai Ching-te and the people of Taiwan.
He further expressed Eswatini’s sincere appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to the Eswatini delegation upon arrival.
The PM emphasised that the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan remains a valued and trusted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of citizens in both countries.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini highly values its longstanding and trusted friendship with the Republic of China (Taiwan). 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 stated.
He noted Taiwan’s significant contribution to Eswatini’s development journey over the years, particularly through cooperation in key sectors including health, agriculture, education, technology, infrastructure development and private sector growth.
He expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s continued support and commitment, describing the cooperation between the two countries as an important foundation for sustainable development and shared advancement.
“Taiwan has been a steadfast partner in Eswatini’s development journey, contributing meaningfully to sectors such as health, agriculture, education, technology, infrastructure and private sector development. We remain grateful for this enduring cooperation,” he said.
During his visit, the PM is expected to engage with President Lai Ching-te and other Taiwanese leaders as the two countries explore opportunities to further deepen their strategic partnership.
The engagements will focus on expanding trade and investment cooperation, strengthening collaboration in technology and innovation, advancing health and agricultural development, and promoting skills transfer to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
He expressed confidence that the visit would further consolidate the excellent relations between Eswatini and Taiwan while creating new opportunities for cooperation that would deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for current and 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 benefit for present and future generations,” he said.
The Ketagalan Forum is an annual international dialogue hosted in Taiwan that focuses on Indo-Pacific security, regional stability, economic resilience and cooperation among democracies and partner countries.
Officially known as the Ketagalan Forum: Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, it is organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Taiwanese think tanks, including the Prospect Foundation.
It was launched in 2017 as a platform for government leaders, policymakers, academics and experts to discuss emerging regional and global challenges.
The forum is named after the Ketagalan people, an Indigenous Austronesian group historically associated with the Taipei area
This will be the 10th edition of the forum.
The event has become one of the premier international conferences on strategy and security in Taiwan.
MOFA anticipates that this year it will once again serve as a platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among participants.
The event is being attended by prominent political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, and experts from nine countries across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America.
They will engage with their Taiwanese counterparts in discussions on the practice of democratic resilience, construction of joint defenses for the Indo-Pacific region, and the shaping of non-red supply chains.
The forum also carries diplomatic significance because Taiwan uses it as a platform to deepen engagement with countries that maintain official relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and with other international partners interested in Indo-Pacific affairs.
In recent editions, the forum has attracted senior political figures, former heads of government, diplomats and experts from countries including the United States, Japan, European nations and other Indo-Pacific partners.
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