Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (right) and Eswatini Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu are all smiles after signing the joint declaration Feb. 1 in Taipei City. (MOFA)

The ROC (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a joint declaration Feb. 1 in Taipei City to reaffirm the solid diplomatic relationship between the allies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The statement was signed by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu and Pholile Shakantu, his counterpart from the African continental ally. Those in attendance to witness the event included Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-chiao Hsieh, Vice Foreign Minister Remus Li-kuo Chen, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi, as well as members of Minister Shakantu’s delegation and the ally’s ambassador to Taiwan, Promise Msibi.


According to the minister, Taiwan and Eswatini are close partners, with their robust ties reflected in the frequent exchange visits between heads of state and senior officials over recent years, as well as their collaboration in the sectors of agriculture, education, information communication and public health and medicine.

Wu said the declaration underscores the long-cherished friendship between the two countries and the kingdom’s support for Taiwan’s global participation. The foreign minister’s visit will further deepen the two allies’ trade and investment relations, he added.

In response, Shakantu congratulated Taiwan on its successful presidential and legislative elections on behalf of King Mswati III, the Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala and the government and people of Eswatini. The unwavering determination of the Taiwan people to defend their national sovereignty and democratic institutions is highly admirable, she added.

Shakantu thanked Taiwan for implementing projects in Eswatini to benefit the country. The declaration highlights the true friendship between the two sides, the minister said, adding that she looks forward to working closely with Taiwan to deepen relations.

Later the same day, Wu hosted a luncheon for Shakantu and her delegation and exchanged views on agriculture, energy, trade and economy, among other issues of mutual interest. (SFC-E)