Taipei authorities are assessing the possibility of President Lai Ching-te visiting Eswatini in April, according to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday that it had received an invitation from Eswatini for Lai to attend the April 24 celebrations marking King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Lin said that any updates would be shared by the Presidential Office.
A presidential spokesperson told the Liberty Times on Saturday that the ministry is following official procedures to evaluate the potential trip before providing its recommendations to the Presidential Office. 
Addressing concerns over China’s involvement in a dam project in Eswatini, Lin clarified that the contract, signed last August, is managed by the World Bank and “would not affect Taiwan-Eswatini relations.”
Lin also noted that Taiwan is progressing with the construction of a large strategic oil storage tank in Eswatini, saying the project is “proceeding within the agreed time and budget limits.” Taiwan’s “Project Prosperity” further covers healthcare, education, talent training, and innovation in manufacturing.
