MBABANE – Ambassador Vulindlela Kunene has formally begun his tenure as Eswatini’s ambassador to Taiwan, highlighting cooperation in health, education, skills and investment.
Kunene presented his Letters of Credence to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Monday, officially starting his tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
In his remarks, Kunene said the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan had delivered benefits in several areas affecting emaSwati.
He pointed to Taiwanese medical teams working alongside local health professionals, as well as cooperation in agriculture, schools, universities and technical and vocational training.
He also highlighted scholarships that have enabled emaSwati to study and gain skills in Taiwan.
Kunene said the partnership was increasingly moving beyond traditional cooperation into investment, industrialisation, energy security, technology transfer and job creation.
He cited the International Convention Centre, Strategic Oil Reserve Facility and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park as examples of major projects reflecting the changing nature of the relationship.
Kunene conveyed His Majesty King Mswati III’s greetings and best wishes to President Lai and said the King appreciated the invitation to attend this year’s Double Ten National Day celebrations.
He also reaffirmed Eswatini’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
Kunene said global challenges, including pandemics and humanitarian crises, could not be effectively addressed while Taiwan remained excluded from international organisations.
He described the relationship between the two countries as a longstanding friendship, saying Eswatini attached great importance to its continued cooperation with Taiwan.
