Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Eswatini’s Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu focusing on the prevention of information manipulation and promotion of information integrity. In a press release, Lin said he is looking forward to jointly establishing a vocational training center and working together on technology development.
During his visit, Lin also attended the opening ceremony of the Eswatini 5G operations center with Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini on Thursday morning. In his speech, he stated that Taiwan is committed to helping the Eswatini government build a dedicated 5G network, and by linking transportation, public security, and disaster prevention systems, create a smart city and a 5G country. Lin underscored that in this digital age full of false information, Taiwan is one of the countries most severely attacked and has rich experience in preventing and dealing with these challenges. He said this knowledge can help Eswatini improve media literacy, develop information verification mechanisms, and prevent fake news through government and private cooperation.
Dlamini expressed his gratitude for Taiwan's long-term support, especially its assistance in the fields of digitalization and smart technology, which improves the welfare of the Eswatini people.
Foreign Minister Lin and King Mswati III also unveiled an oil reserve facility plan, which will be the largest engineering cooperation project since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini. Lin also pledged an additional US$500,000 to expand the Women’s Start-up Microfinance Revolving Fund, which was financed by Taiwan in 2023 and is showing remarkable success in empowering female entrepreneurs. He underscored the importance of Taiwan and Eswatini working together on vocational training and labor cooperation, which will boost talent exchanges and ensure further prosperity for both countries.