Eswatini's deputy prime minister is in Taiwan for the third time this year, a positive sign for Taipei as it works to hold onto its shrinking circle of formal diplomatic allies.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla at a lunch, thanking Eswatini for consistently speaking up for Taiwan in international bodies.
• Dladla is in Taipei for the founding meeting of the World Alliance for Disaster Management, which Eswatini joined as a founding member.
• The two sides are pushing a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini, meant to bring Taiwan's industrial-park know-how to boost the African kingdom's economy and jobs.
• Dladla said ties between the two countries, now approaching 60 years, have grown into a family-like relationship, and called Taiwan Eswatini's most reliable partner.
• She also helped arrange President Lai's state visit to Eswatini in May, Taiwan's only remaining ally in Africa.

Outlook: Expect deeper cooperation in energy, tourism, health care and training as the two countries head toward their 60th anniversary of ties.