Taiwan's President Lai Pushes Expanded Cooperation with Eswatini After Successful May Visit

President Lai Ching-te held talks with Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla at Taiwan’s Presidential Office, expressing gratitude for her role in ensuring his May 2-5 delegation’s smooth travel after earlier air-space restrictions forced a delay. Lai advocated for intensified partnership in disaster management, industrial development, public health and talent cultivation, citing the World Alliance for Disaster Management, which Eswatini helped launch.

Dladla urged expansion of cooperation scope, speed and breadth, emphasizing investment, energy security, mining opportunities and increased rice assistance as El Niño threatens regional agriculture. She also praised Taiwan’s support for social housing projects for vulnerable groups. Both leaders reaffirmed the alliance’s aim to serve as a practical platform for knowledge sharing and coordinated action.