GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT

NO:18/2019

ESWATINI, TAIWAN RELATIONS

 

Following media reports of a team of Parliamentarians that visited the People’s Republic of China on a familiarisation tour, Government wishes to make the following clarification;

1. The Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan have enjoyed long and unbroken diplomatic relations since our independence in 1968. This relationship is based on mutual respect, friendship and loyalty.
2. Both countries engage at a level of equal partnership. This is a 51 year relationship based on an understanding and appreciation of our respective profound cultural and traditional systems.
3. Eswatini, Taiwan ties are defined by successful cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, as well as real commitment to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
4. Government did not sanction the familiarisation tour of some Parliamentarians to the People’s Republic of China and, as such, their conclusions from the excursion are purely personal and have no bearing on the relationship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan.
5. Our commitment to strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan remains unshaken and enduring. Any cynical campaign of coercion threatening the relationship shared by the two countries shall not succeed. The Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan remain resolute in working together for the greater good and building a better future for the people.

 

 Percy N. Simelane                                                                                28 July 2019

Government Spokesman