President Lai's First Visit to Africa: Li Chun Says It Shows Taiwan's Value to the International Community

Central News Agency (Reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 13th) President Lai Ching-te will visit Eswatini, an African ally, on April 22, marking his first visit to Africa during his tenure. Former Ambassador to the EU, Li Chun, stated today that President Lai's trip will not only demonstrate the strong friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini but also create a spillover effect in diplomacy, extending to Eswatini's neighboring countries. Through Taiwan's concrete contributions in Eswatini, Taiwan's value to the international community can be further demonstrated. This year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini. To celebrate King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of ascension to the throne and his 58th birthday, Eswatini will hold a series of celebratory events from April 24th to April 26th. President Lai will visit from April 22nd to 27th, with the theme of the visit being "Taiwan and Eswatini Celebrate Together, Prosper Hand in Hand." Li Chun stated that King Mswati III personally led a delegation to Taiwan in May 2024 to attend President Lai's inauguration ceremony. Now, with the important historical moments of King Mswati's ascension anniversary and birthday celebration, it is natural and proper for the President to return the visit and attend Eswatini's various important celebrations. He believes that King Mswati also has expectations for this. The relevant arrangements comply with international etiquette and further deepen and reflect the stable diplomatic relations and strong friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini. Li Chun said that Taiwan and Eswatini have many bilateral interactions and cooperation projects in economy, technology, and talent exchange. Whether it is King Mswati's visit or the President's visit, they are important checkpoints and milestones for reviewing the accumulated bilateral cooperation achievements. Li Chun stated that Taiwan has long stationed medical teams in Eswatini, assisting in establishing the largest local hospital in Eswatini, and in recent years has introduced smart medical care. He has heard that people from Eswatini's neighboring countries choose to seek medical treatment from Taiwan's medical team in Eswatini when major surgeries are needed, which illustrates that the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini in various aspects is not limited to Eswatini itself, but uses Eswatini as a "forward base" and "display hub" to spread outwards to neighboring countries, including South Africa, demonstrating Taiwan's important role in regional prosperity and improving the welfare of local people. Li Chun said that King Mswati's double celebration events traditionally invite important figures from neighboring countries to participate. The President can use these occasions to interact and meet with dignitaries from African countries, traditional tribal leaders, or chiefs. He believes this will have a diplomatic effect beyond "consolidating Taiwan-Eswatini relations." He said that China uses various means to restrict Taiwan's international participation space. President Lai's visit this time, also his first time setting foot on African soil during his tenure, on the one hand, reflects Taiwan's stable and deep allies and its space for international participation through concrete actions, and on the other hand, explains Taiwan's value to the international community through Taiwan's concrete contributions in the local area. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150413