TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will visit Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole African diplomatic ally, for the first time since taking office from April 22-27, the Presidential Office announced on Monday.

The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s coronation and his 58th birthday, according to Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧). This year also marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini.

Lai’s visit has three goals, Kuo said. The first is to promote mutual security, which entails building strategic oil reserves to enhance Eswatini’s energy security and support sustainable national development, she said.

The second goal is to increase mutual economic prosperity, Kuo said. Eswatini is Taiwan’s key ally in Africa and offers a stable investment environment and a skilled workforce, she said. Taiwan has launched initiatives such as the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini to help Taiwanese businesses expand globally and connect with African markets.

These initiatives create local jobs and form a strong, mutually beneficial strategic partnership, the spokesperson said.

The third goal is to facilitate mutual growth in the digital domain, Kuo said. Taiwan has leveraged its strengths in semiconductors and information technology to assist Eswatini in implementing smart healthcare and telemedicine systems and enhancing public health, she added.

Aside from attending celebrations, Lai will meet King Mswati III and hold bilateral talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) said. The president will also receive briefings on Taiwanese projects in the country, inspect smart healthcare services provided by Taiwan’s medical mission, and host a banquet for Taiwanese expatriates in Eswatini and the Southern African region.