TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) arrived in Eswatini on Tuesday to attend King Mswati III’s birthday celebration on April 25.

Eswatini's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pholile Shakantu, received Lin at the airport, where overseas Taiwanese also gathered to greet the delegation.

Lin organized a dinner that evening to better understand the concerns and needs of Taiwanese expats living in Africa. More than 100 Taiwanese from Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, and other African countries attended. Overseas Community Affairs Council commissioners Liu Shu-kai (劉書凱), Lo Ying-chao (羅應肇), Tsui Yu-fen (崔毓芬), and Wu Ping-hsun (吳秉勳) were also present.

In a speech, Lin conveyed President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) greeting to all overseas Taiwanese in Africa and admiration to those working on the continent. The foreign minister hoped to continue collaborating with the local Taiwanese community to support Eswatini’s path toward prosperity.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it will continue working alongside the OCAC, overseas Taiwanese, and its diplomatic missions to help more Africans understand and appreciate Taiwan better. 

From April 22-26, Lin will hold discussions with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Shakantu on strengthening bilateral relations and future cooperation projects. He will attend a series of events showcasing the results of bilateral cooperation projects, including the launch of Eswatini’s Strategic Oil Storage Facility Project.

The foreign minister is also signing an MOU with Shakantu on countering disinformation and promoting information integrity.

Taiwan and Eswatini established diplomatic ties in 1968.