Faisal Mahmud
09 October 2026•Update: 09 October 2026
Taiwan’s leader William Lai Ching-te called Friday for stronger economic cooperation with Eswatini, the island’s only African diplomatic ally, as King Mswati III began a nine-day visit to Taipei, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported.
Eswatini’s monarch, making his 20th visit to Taiwan, reaffirmed support for Taipei’s participation in the UN and other international organizations.
He also called for expanding industrial cooperation and implementing existing agreements, according to CNA. Both leaders witnessed the signing of a mutual legal assistance agreement.
Lai highlighted cooperation in healthcare, education, technology and energy, urging Taiwanese businesses to expand investment in the southern African kingdom.
He welcomed progress on the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park, describing Eswatini as a potential gateway to African markets.
During his May visit to Eswatini, Lai visited a Taiwanese-funded convention center and was briefed on a strategic oil reserve project. He traveled aboard Mswati’s private aircraft after an earlier trip planned for April was postponed when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar reportedly revoked overflight permissions.
Taiwan and Eswatini established diplomatic relations in 1968. Bilateral trade totaled $6.47 million in 2025, according to Taiwan’s economic authorities.
Taiwan has 12 diplomatic allies: Eswatini, Belize, Guatemala, Paraguay, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu and the Holy See.
China sees Taiwan as its “breakaway province,” while Taipei has insisted on independence since 1949.
