- TAIWANTODAY.TW - Taiwan Review - 01/07/2024 00:00

Trusted Partners

Jeremy Horng-sheng Liang (梁洪昇), ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini, shares his thoughts on the steadfast ties between Taiwan and its African ally. The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini have maintained official ties for over half a century. What’s the foundation of our enduring relationship? Liang: The Kingdom of Eswatini became Taiwan’s ally soon after declaring independence from the U.K. in 1968, and bilateral ties have grown stronger over the decades. Our long-standing relationship is based on mutual respect and trust. Eswatini has voiced support for Taiwan’s participation in international affairs at every opportunity, and has never yielded to China’s pressure and coercion. Our two countries are equal partners, and Taiwan never dictates what Eswatini should or shouldn’t do. We collaborate closely as Taiwan offers help based on Eswatini’s needs. We have much to share with our ally, from agricultural practices to health care expertise. How has Taiwan achieved its deep ties with Eswatini? Liang: The signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement in 2018 was a major milestone for bilateral trade, and initiatives boosting the well-being of Eswatini’s people are central to our close partnership. Pivotal to these efforts is the work of Taiwan Medical Mission and Taiwan Technical Mission. The latter is currently helping the women and youth of the country pursue independent careers and is also carrying out projects to benefit agricultural workers. Other examples of deepening ties include Eswatini’s rural electrification project, which was implemented from 2001 to 2019 with financial support from Taiwan. Now more than 80 percent of the population is connected to the grid, making the country’s electrification rate one of the highest in Africa.   Liang, third right, inspects an aqueduct system constructed with Taiwan’s support. (Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of China [Taiwan] in the Kingdom of Eswatini) How can we further strengthen the relationship with our African ally? Liang: Our current focus is on expanding people’s access to clean water by funding a project to build water collection facilities, purification ponds and aqueducts in remote areas. Easy access to electricity and clean water has significantly bettered the lives of Eswatini’s people. Later this year Taiwan will begin construction on a new strategic oil tank in accordance with a memorandum of understanding inked last year. At present, Eswatini maintains only two days of oil reserves. We’re happy to help address this urgent issue, as we have the technology and know-how to build the facility and  are trusted as a staunch ally. Meanwhile, exchanges between Kaohsiung and Mbabane are ramping up based on a sister-city agreement signed last year. Mbabane Mayor Vusi Tembe flew to Kaohsiung in February for a series of activities, including a visit with Mayor Chen Chi-mai [陳其邁]. Five young instructors from our African ally will soon arrive to teach English in the southern city’s schools. Cooperation is expanding in increasingly diverse fields, cementing our already robust ties.    Write to Oscar Chung at mhchung@mofa.gov.tw