“The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini on the Transfer of Convicted Offenders and Co-operation in the Enforcement of Penal Sentences” was inked on February 27, 2019, in the Ministry of Justice. Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang, on behalf of the Taiwan Government, together with H.E. Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, on behalf of the Kingdom of Eswatini, signed the agreement, which was witnessed by the representatives from the two countries. This is the first agreement on transfer of sentenced persons concluded between Taiwan and an African country. 

Ever since the enactment of Taiwan’s Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act on January 23, 2013, promulgated and effected on July 23, 2013, Ministry of Justice has been committed to the negotiation with foreign countries in establishing firmer relationship on the transfer of the convicted persons on a reciprocal basis, to reinforce the judicial cooperation between Taiwan and other countries.

Until today, Taiwan has concluded agreements on this matter respectively with Germany and UK, followed by seven German and one British convicted persons being transferred to serve sentenced term in their home countries. Today’s signing with Eswatini is a new step toward greater development of the collaboration in this area with more countries.

Taiwan and Eswatini have inked several treaties, agreements and MOUs, such as the extradition treaty, MOU on immigration affairs, the prevention of anti-human trafficking, police cooperation, etc. Resulted from the concerted efforts by the governments in the two countries, the agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons has not only marked a diplomatic achievement, but also laid the foundation of an ever-stronger judicial cooperation between the two sides, further strengthening their close relations and fostering the protection of fundamental rights for all the people.

During President Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency, the Taiwan Government is committed to its approach of steadfast diplomacy, which aims to advance mutual assistance for mutual benefits. While upholding national dignity and people’s welfare, Taiwan will continue to engage in expanding its opportunity in international participation. In addition to the collaboration in economy, trade and various other areas, the conclusion of “the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini on the Transfer of Convicted Offenders and Co-operation in the Enforcement of Penal Sentences” has once again firmly anchored the robust partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini.