TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen is set to lead a delegation to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole African ally, from Sept. 5 to 8, as confirmed by the Presidential Office.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Olivia Lin announced that Tsai will head the delegation to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini, the 55th year of Eswatini's independence, and the 55th birthday of King Mswati Ⅲ.
President Tsai aims to "celebrate friendship" and "promote sustainable cooperation" during the excursion.
Taiwan anticipates that this visit will further bolster bilateral collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing joint efforts with Eswatini in the realms of public health, medical care, and women's empowerment.
Lin also underscored that the Kingdom of Eswatini stands as a steadfast ally of Taiwan within the African region, consistently advocating for Taiwan's global standing and lending robust support to Taiwan's involvement in international organizations.
The two countries have maintained a close partnership, particularly in pivotal sectors such as infrastructure, public health, medical care, education, information and communications, as well as agriculture and food security.
This upcoming trip marks President Tsai's second journey to Eswatini. Since ascending to the throne in 1986, King Mswati Ⅲ has visited Taiwan on 18 occasions.
Key members of the delegation encompass Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua, Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Hsu Chia-ching, Mayor of Kaohsiung City Chen Chi-mai, Deputy Secretary-General to the President Xavier Chang, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roy Chun Lee.