Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
February 1, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the Eswatini delegation. Minister Shakantu is the first foreign minister to visit Taiwan following our presidential election on January 13. She has already called on Vice President Lai Ching-te to extend her congratulations on Taiwan’s successful elections and the vice president’s electoral victory. Tomorrow, Minister Shakantu will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen.
Taiwan and Eswatini are close friends and development partners. Indeed, our nations have built rock-solid relations over more than five decades. The strength of our ties has been exemplified in the success of numerous state visits in recent years. For instance, His Majesty King Mswati III visited Taiwan in October 2022. President Tsai led a delegation to Eswatini in September 2023, in part to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. And in recent years, visits to Taiwan by delegations of high-level Eswatini officials have also continued to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple fields.
During President Tsai’s state visit last year, Minister Shakantu served the Taiwanese delegation as minister in waiting, playing an instrumental role in ensuring the trip went smoothly. In visiting Taiwan so early in her new tenure as minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Minister Shakantu continues to demonstrate her friendship with Taiwan through concrete action.
Taiwan and Eswatini maintain close cooperation in a range of areas, including education, agriculture, health, and ICT. Eswatini is also a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s international participation. Today’s joint declaration once again highlights our long-cherished friendship. By signing it, Eswatini is reiterating how highly it values diplomatic ties with Taiwan and renewing its commitment to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the international community. Moreover, both nations are reaffirming their desire to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation. Our two governments remain profoundly committed to creating favorable conditions that will boost bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Eswatini the best of health and happiness. I also wish Minister Shakantu every success in her new role. Finally, with this joint declaration serving as a foundation, I look forward to the continuing prosperity of our two nations. Thank you!