Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini yesterday arrived for an official visit to Taiwan, and said upon his arrival that he was grateful for the government’s invitation.
“Our relationship dates a long way back to 1968 when we achieved independence. For all these years we have enjoyed a cordial relationship,” he said upon disembarking at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Dlamini said that the allies’ relationship has been beneficial, with his country supporting Taiwan at international events, and Taiwan aiding Eswatini’s development.
Photo: CNA
Dlamini is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other officials, and his delegation is then to proceed to meetings with local business representatives that have invested in the African kingdom.
Dlamini’s delegation includes his wife, Lomvula Hlophe — who is also Eswatini Acting Director of Public Prosecutions — along with Eswatini Minister of Economic Planning and Development Tambo Gina and Eswatini Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Taiwan and Eswatini in September are to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The ministry said in a statement that it hopes to deepen bilateral ties with the African ally.
Eswatini is one of a handful of the world’s absolute monarchies. King Mswati III has reigned over the southern African nation since 1986.
Estwani is the only African nation to have formal relations with Taiwan, which has 14 diplomatic allies worldwide.
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