TAIPEI, Taiwan: The Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions, as King Mswati III reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
The mutual legal assistance agreement was signed by Eswatini’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, HRH Prince Simelane, and Taiwan’s Minister of Justice, Cheng Ming-chien, at the presidential residence in Taipei. The signing took place in the presence of King Mswati III and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
The agreement establishes a legal framework for the two countries to assist each other in criminal justice matters, including the collection of evidence, cooperation with witnesses, information sharing, recovery of assets and cross-border law enforcement support.
It is intended to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of crimes that involve international connections, while respecting the sovereignty and legal systems of both countries.
The agreement comes as the two nations continue to deepen their diplomatic and institutional ties, which have endured for 58 years.
During the military welcome ceremony in Taipei ahead of Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebrations, King Mswati III also assured President Lai that Eswatini would continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international platforms.
The ceremony included a full military salute for the King, who inspected the guard alongside President Lai.
Addressing the gathering, King Mswati III spoke of the importance of sustaining the relationship and ensuring that cooperation between the two countries continues to deliver benefits for their citizens.
“It is a pleasure to stand beside you again, united by our commitment to carry this friendship forward. We approach this visit with confidence in the future of our partnership and a determination to ensure that it continues to bring lasting benefits to our peoples.”
The King also conveyed his wishes for the wellbeing of Taiwan’s population and thanked the Taiwanese leadership for the reception extended to him and his delegation.
“May the people of Taiwan continue to enjoy peace, wellbeing and prosperity. Thank you once again for the honour bestowed upon us and for the warmth of your welcome. May the friendship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan continue to grow from strength to strength.”
President Lai expressed appreciation for the continued support Taiwan receives from King Mswati III and the Eswatini Government, describing the relationship as a longstanding partnership built on decades of diplomatic engagement.
Lai noted that the two countries had maintained diplomatic relations for 58 years and expressed his desire to see cooperation between them grow further.
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