《TAIPEI TIMES》Eswatini to keep standing with Taiwan

DEEPENING TIES: Taiwan built a modern hospital in Eswatini, helped save lives and brought electricity to remote regions, Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku said

By Liu Tzu-hsuan / Staff reporter

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Visiting Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku vowed to continue standing with Taiwan and support the nation’s international participation during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen （蔡英文） yesterday.

Taiwan can contribute greatly to the world and Eswatini would continue to speak up for Taiwan and support its inclusion in international organizations, global forums and the UN system, he said.

The warm and reciprocal relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan has lasted for more than a half-century, he said, adding that his country would keep working with Taiwan to overcome difficulties.

Masuku thanked Taiwan for its assistance to Eswatini in all domains, including helping bring electricity to the country’s most remote areas.

About 85 percent of Eswatini’s population has access to electricity, one of the highest in Africa, he said.

Taiwan helped the African ally build a state-of-the-art hospital equipped with medical equipment of the highest standard, which increased the capacity of the local medical system, he added.

The medical supplies provided by Taiwan saved thousands of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Masuku said.

Taiwan also helped Eswatini improve disaster preparedness and mitigation, and provided training in the healthcare, information and communications, and agriculture sectors, he said.

He expressed hope for continued support from Taiwan, saying Eswatini is still facing food security challenges brought on by climate change.

Taiwan’s resilient farming techniques can help his country mitigate the effects of climate change, he added.

Tsai said the trip would deepen bilateral relations.

Taiwan and Eswatini have held several economic and trade dialogues in the past few years, and signed a protocol in March to bolster cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, education and medical care, she said.

Masuku praised Taiwan’s use of technology to enhance women’s empowerment and called on the world to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations at the “Taiwan Night — Celebrating Women in Tech” in New York in March, Tsai said.

Taiwan is a force for good in the international community, she said, adding that the nation has the ability and willingness to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and contribute more to the world.

Taiwan would continue to improve cooperation with Eswatini to create mutual benefit and prosperity, she said.

Masuku’s trip came after a visit by Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini in March and by King Mswati III in October last year, which “fully demonstrates the importance Eswatini attaches to the friendship with Taiwan,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Eswatini has long been a vocal supporter of Taiwan on the global stage, it said, adding that Eswatini Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi urged the WHO to include Taiwan at the World Health Assembly last month.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES