A New Milestone in Judicial Cooperation: Heads of State of Taiwan and Eswatini Witness the Signing of Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini have enjoyed profound friendship and sustained, close cooperation across diverse fields. His Majesty King Mswati III, Head of State of the Kingdom of Eswatini, led a delegation to Taiwan on October 8, 2026. At 11:40 AM on October 9 at the Presidential Office, President Lai Ching-te and His Majesty King Mswati III jointly witnessed the official signing of the Cooperative Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini by Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien and Eswatini’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, HRH Prince Simelane.
The signing of this Cooperative Agreement follows multiple rounds of constructive negotiations and represents the collective efforts of the Executive Yuan, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Under the framework of this Cooperative Agreement, the judicial authorities of Taiwan and Eswatini may render mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, including taking the testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records, and articles of evidence; locating or identifying persons; serving documents; executing requests for searches and seizures; examining objects; assisting in proceedings related to immobilization, confiscation and forfeiture of assets or collection of fines; and exchange of criminal records. Furthermore, to enhance the efficiency of investigation and trial proceedings, both jurisdictions may examine witnesses or give evidence by video conference. This mechanism significantly reduces the time, labor, and costs associated with cross-border gathering of evidence, meets the demands of technology-driven investigations in the digital era, and will substantively bolster collaborative efforts to combat transnational telecommunications fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.
Following the judicial mutual legal assistance treaty signed with the Republic of Paraguay on May 8 of this year, this newly executed Cooperative Agreement marks Taiwan’s 18th mutual legal assistance agreement and the second signed with a diplomatic ally within five months. Beyond underscoring the steadfast alliance between Taiwan and Eswatini, the Cooperative Agreement establishes a vital cornerstone for criminal justice cooperation between Taiwan and African partner states, demonstrating both nations' firm resolve and commitment to combating crime across borders.
Sources: Ministry of Justice
The signing of this Cooperative Agreement follows multiple rounds of constructive negotiations and represents the collective efforts of the Executive Yuan, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Under the framework of this Cooperative Agreement, the judicial authorities of Taiwan and Eswatini may render mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, including taking the testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records, and articles of evidence; locating or identifying persons; serving documents; executing requests for searches and seizures; examining objects; assisting in proceedings related to immobilization, confiscation and forfeiture of assets or collection of fines; and exchange of criminal records. Furthermore, to enhance the efficiency of investigation and trial proceedings, both jurisdictions may examine witnesses or give evidence by video conference. This mechanism significantly reduces the time, labor, and costs associated with cross-border gathering of evidence, meets the demands of technology-driven investigations in the digital era, and will substantively bolster collaborative efforts to combat transnational telecommunications fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.
Following the judicial mutual legal assistance treaty signed with the Republic of Paraguay on May 8 of this year, this newly executed Cooperative Agreement marks Taiwan’s 18th mutual legal assistance agreement and the second signed with a diplomatic ally within five months. Beyond underscoring the steadfast alliance between Taiwan and Eswatini, the Cooperative Agreement establishes a vital cornerstone for criminal justice cooperation between Taiwan and African partner states, demonstrating both nations' firm resolve and commitment to combating crime across borders.
Sources: Ministry of Justice
