Taiwan, Eswatini deepen disaster response cooperation

MBABANE – Taiwan has pledged to strengthen disaster preparedness and response cooperation with Eswatini, including sharing technology and rescue expertise.

According to Taipei Times, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te made the commitment on Tuesday when he met Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

The DPM is in Taiwan for the inaugural meeting of the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), which brings together countries to strengthen international cooperation in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Lai reportedly said the establishment of the WADM presented an opportunity for Taiwan and Eswatini to deepen cooperation in international disaster management.

The Taipei Times reported that he said countries facing extreme weather and other global challenges could build more comprehensive disaster prevention and response systems by sharing experience and pooling resources.

“Taiwan will use the WADM framework to share disaster prevention technology and experience in disaster response and rescue with Eswatini and other like-minded countries,” Lai said.

Dladla said Eswatini was particularly grateful for Taiwan’s support as the country prepared for the expected super El Niño phenomenon this year.

She said Taiwan had assisted Eswatini with food supplies at a time when food security remained a challenge for many countries.

Dladla also thanked Taiwan for her assistance in social housing and the tourism sector.

The DPM said the country was proud to be among the founding member states of the WADM and was committed to contributing to the alliance through capacity building, knowledge sharing and joint action.

Beyond disaster management, Lai reportedly said Taiwan wanted to support Eswatini through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, particularly in areas including industry, public health and talent development.

Dladla said Eswatini wanted to expand its partnership with Taiwan in investment, industrial development, innovation, technology transfer, capacity building, energy security and mining.

She reportedly expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s long-standing support in education, healthcare and rural electrification.

The DPM is said to have highlighted ongoing projects, including the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and a strategic oil reserve facility, as important to Eswatini’s development.

Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa and one of 12 countries worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.

The two countries are approaching 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Dladla reportedly said the relationship had grown beyond a traditional diplomatic partnership and was now ‘akin to family’.

Lai was said to have also thanked Dladla, His Majesty King Mswati III and the Queen Mother for their assistance during his visit to the country in April.

His planned visit earlier this year had been postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly revoked flight permissions for the Taiwanese presidential aircraft, with Taipei alleging pressure from Beijing.

Dladla subsequently travelled to Taiwan in May to formally invite Lai to Eswatini aboard a chartered aircraft provided by the King.

Lai was quoted as having said Dladla’s leadership and commitment to public affairs had created further opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

The Taiwanese president also expressed hope that Eswatini would continue supporting Taiwan’s international participation.

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