Taipei:President Lai Ching-te has called for enhanced cooperation with Eswatini during King Mswati III's visit to Taiwan, commemorated by a military ceremony in Taipei. The king's state visit, which extends until October 17, coincides with Taiwan's National Day celebrations and marks his 20th visit to the island, highlighting 58 years of diplomatic relations.

According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai emphasized that cooperation has flourished under Taiwan's diplomatic efforts to promote mutual prosperity, with strengthened exchanges in several sectors such as healthcare, education, vocational training, digital technology, infrastructure, and energy. These partnerships aim to bolster industrial development and improve citizens' welfare.

President Lai expressed gratitude to King Mswati for supporting the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini, expressing hope for increased Taiwanese investment in the country as a gateway to African markets. The two leaders also signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which Lai hailed as a significant step in law enforcement cooperation.

King Mswati focused on turning bilateral agreements into practical collaborations, urging officials to explore effective implementation strategies. He also reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, a sentiment echoed during the United Nations General Assembly.

During the ceremony, President Lai recalled his postponed visit to Eswatini due to external interference and thanked the king for facilitating his state visit in May. King Mswati's itinerary includes observing a joint military exercise, visiting an agricultural research center, and attending an investment dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.