Taiwan has pledged to strengthen disaster preparedness and response cooperation with Eswatini, including sharing technology and rescue expertise. This commitment was made by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Dladla is in Taiwan for the inaugural meeting of the World Alliance for Disaster Management.
The World Alliance for Disaster Management brings together countries to strengthen international cooperation in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Lai said the establishment of the alliance presented an opportunity for Taiwan and Eswatini to deepen cooperation in international disaster management. He noted that countries facing extreme weather and other global challenges could build more comprehensive disaster prevention and response systems by sharing experience and pooling resources.
Taiwan will use the World Alliance for Disaster Management framework to share disaster prevention technology and experience in disaster response and rescue with Eswatini and other like-minded countries. Dladla expressed gratitude for Taiwan's support, particularly as Eswatini prepares for the expected super El Niño phenomenon this year. She also thanked Taiwan for its assistance in food supplies, social housing, and the tourism sector.
Eswatini is proud to be among the founding member states of the World Alliance for Disaster Management and is committed to contributing to the alliance through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and joint action. Dladla said Eswatini wants to expand its partnership with Taiwan in investment, industrial development, innovation, technology transfer, capacity building, energy security, and mining. She expressed gratitude for Taiwan's long-standing support in education, healthcare, and rural electrification.
Eswatini is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa and one of 12 countries worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. The two countries are approaching 60 years of diplomatic relations. Dladla said the relationship had grown beyond a traditional diplomatic partnership and was now 'akin to family'. Lai thanked Dladla, His Majesty King Mswati III, and the Queen Mother for their assistance during his visit to the country in April.
Lai's planned visit to Eswatini earlier this year was postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar reportedly revoked flight permissions for the Taiwanese presidential aircraft. Taipei alleged pressure from Beijing. Dladla subsequently travelled to Taiwan in May to formally invite Lai to Eswatini aboard a chartered aircraft provided by the King. Lai expressed hope that Eswatini would continue supporting Taiwan's international participation.
The cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini extends beyond disaster management. Lai said Taiwan wanted to support Eswatini through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, particularly in areas including industry, public health, and talent development. The two countries have ongoing projects, including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and a strategic oil reserve facility, which are important to Eswatini's development.
Key points
- Taiwan and Eswatini have strengthened disaster preparedness and response cooperation.
- The two countries are approaching 60 years of diplomatic relations.
- Eswatini is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa.
