New Eswatini envoy pledges support for Taiwan's int'l participation

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) Eswatini will continue advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, the African country's new ambassador to Taiwan said Monday at a ceremony where he presented his credentials to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Eswatini is one of the Republic of China's (Taiwan's official name) 12 diplomatic allies and its only ally in Africa. The two countries have maintained diplomatic ties for 58 years.

In his remarks, Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene said global challenges including pandemics, cybercrime and disruptions to international supply chains could not be effectively addressed while "the knowledge, resources and experience of more than 23 million people were excluded."

"Eswatini will therefore continue to advocate for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations and mechanisms where its contribution can benefit humanity," he said.

Kunene, who was previously posted to the United Nations, said such support was not only "an expression of friendship," but also "a principled position grounded in fairness, inclusion and the practical requirements of effective international cooperation."

In terms of bilateral ties, Kunene highlighted Taiwan-backed rural electrification as an example of how the partnership had improved people's lives, saying communities across Eswatini's countryside now "light up like stars" at night.

He also pledged to promote closer cooperation in areas including trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Lai welcomed Kunene to his new post and said the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini had "stood the test of time" and remained strong despite changes in the international landscape.

Taiwan will also continue working with Eswatini on projects including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park while expanding cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, education, trade and technology, Lai said.

The president also said he looks forward to King Mswati III's visit to Taiwan "in the coming days."

Kunene also mentioned in his remarks that Mswati had been invited to participate in this year's Double Ten National Day celebrations, suggesting the king may visit Taiwan for the celebrations on Saturday.

Taiwan-Eswatini ties drew international attention earlier this year when Lai's planned visit to the African country in late April was postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar canceled overflight permits for his chartered aircraft, a move Taiwan attributed to pressure from China.

Lai eventually traveled to Eswatini in early May aboard an aircraft provided by Mswati and met with the king during the visit.