On February 13, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, Joseph Wu, hosted a luncheon welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini, Zaduri, along with his delegation. Minister Wu expressed gratitude for Eswatini’s longstanding support for the friendship between the two nations and Taiwan’s international engagement. Zaduri, in return, thanked Taiwan for its assistance in Eswatini’s national development and reaffirmed Eswatini’s unwavering support for Taiwan, regardless of external pressures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that Minister Joseph Wu, in his speech at the luncheon, mentioned the recent severe flooding in Eswatini, which has severely impacted the lives of people in some areas. He extended condolences to all those affected by the disaster and mentioned that President Tsai Ing-Wen has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fully assist the Eswatini government in disaster relief efforts by increasing food aid to help the affected residents return to normalcy as soon as possible.
Minister Joseph Wu mentioned that Taiwan and Eswatini have had close cooperation in various areas. In addition to the ongoing largest bilateral infrastructure project in history, the Strategic Fuel Depot Project, the two countries have been enhancing cooperation in energy, agriculture, education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. In 2023, the Taiwanese government provided assistance to establish the “Women’s Entrepreneurship Microcredit Revolving Fund” in Eswatini, effectively providing funding for rural women entrepreneurs. Over 500 women have benefitted from this fund, with some families naming their newborns “Taiwan” as a gesture of gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance, showcasing the positive impact of the Taiwan-Eswatini friendship on ordinary citizens and uplifting spirits.
Deputy Prime Minister Zaduri expressed gratitude in his speech for Taiwan’s assistance to Eswatini’s national development and reiterated Eswatini’s unwavering support for Taiwan despite any external pressures. He emphasized that Eswatini will face various challenges together with Taiwan and will insist on Taiwan’s right to participate in all international organizations, including the United Nations.
Zaduri explained that the cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini is both deep and broad, and the two countries have built a familial partnership. For instance, when the conflict in eastern Ukraine broke out, Taiwan promptly assisted in evacuating Eswatini nationals residing there, demonstrating the true friendship between the two nations.
The luncheon guests included Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lü Jiande, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Zhizhong, Director of Taipei Medical University Hospital Shi Junming, and Chairman of the Livelihood Fund Pan Aiwanyan, among others. During the luncheon, extensive discussions were held on various topics, such as healthcare, education, and energy cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini, as well as the establishment of a social safety net and protection for vulnerable groups.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1968, the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini has entered its 57th year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will maintain close cooperation with the Eswatini government, continue to promote the “Rongbang Project” in Eswatini, and foster mutually beneficial cooperation to enhance the well-being of both nations and further solidify their friendship.