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Taiwan Eswatini agreement: Lai and King Mswati III witness legal assistance pact

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A Taiwan Eswatini agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters was signed in Taipei after President Lai Ching-te held talks with King Mswati III, Taiwan’s Presidential Office said. The two leaders witnessed the signing after a welcome ceremony with military honours on 9 October.

Taiwan Eswatini agreement: President Lai Ching-te and King Mswati III of Eswatini at the Presidential Office in Taipei.
President Lai Ching-te and King Mswati III of Eswatini at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Photo: Office of the President, Taiwan (official release).

What the Taiwan Eswatini agreement covers

Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice said the pact allows cooperation on witness testimony, evidence, locating people, serving documents, searches and seizures, and asset recovery. It is Taiwan’s 18th mutual legal assistance agreement and is meant to help fight cross-border fraud, money laundering and organised crime.

Key Facts

  • Talks held on 9 October in Taipei
  • Taiwan’s 18th mutual legal assistance agreement
  • Signed by the two justice ministers
  • Eswatini: Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa

“Through mutual assistance and by sharing our experiences, we will jointly uphold the rule of law.”

— Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan

Lai thanks a steadfast ally

Lai thanked Eswatini for sending its aircraft to make his state visit in May possible, after what he called external interference in April. He praised the king for backing Taiwan at the UN General Assembly. Focus Taiwan reported that Lai sought deeper economic cooperation.

Taiwan Eswatini agreement: King Mswati III speaks at the Presidential Office in Taipei.
King Mswati III speaks at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Photo: Office of the President, Taiwan (official release).

A gateway to Africa

Lai said he hopes more Taiwanese firms will invest in Eswatini through the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and use it as a gateway to African markets. The king called Taiwan his ‘second home’ and said a true friend is there in good times and bad. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa.

Why It Matters: With few formal allies left, every agreement with Eswatini helps Taiwan keep a diplomatic foothold in Africa.

Also on TrendDesh: Taiwan National Day speech: Lai says defence spending aims to deter war · Global trade record: world trade hits $35 trillion in 2025, says UNCTAD

Sources: Office of the President, Taiwan · Taiwan Ministry of Justice · Focus Taiwan

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