Remarks by Minister Dr. Lin Chia-lung at the Donation Ceremony to Big Game Parks Rhino Conservation Group

Remarks by Minister Dr. Lin Chia-lung at the Donation Ceremony to Big Game Parks Rhino Conservation Group

• Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs
• Date：2025-04-26

Dr. Lin Chia-lung

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

April 26, 2025

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Ladies and gentlemen:

I would like to start by thanking the government of Eswatini and our other partners for their warm hospitality. Thanks to you, this trip to our African ally has been very rewarding.

When Eswatini won independence in 1968, it established diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Our relationship has remained unbroken for 57 years. Taiwan and Eswatini are firm friends and committed development partners.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists rhinoceroses as critically endangered. Poaching continues to threaten rhino populations. We all know that rhinos are an important natural resource for Eswatini.

Taiwan previously donated six black rhinos to Eswatini's conservation program. It was nice to see the commemorative plaque that tells the story about the donation at the entrance to the national park. Eswatini has been very successful in conserving rhinos and protecting them from poaching. Its efforts have been acknowledged by the international community. Today, Taiwan is happy to donate one million Lilangeni to Big Game Parks. The money will be used mainly to complete the security fence for a new rhino conservation area.

I would like to thank Big Game Parks for their tireless efforts in rhino conservation. Taiwan understands the importance of biodiversity. We know that every species plays a role in human survival. That is why conservation is a high priority for us. Taiwan has enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act and incorporated CITES into national law. We work hard to protect plants and animals at home and abroad and stop illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Taiwan is proud to be assisting Eswatini in setting up a safe habitat for rhinos. I also have the honor of naming a baby rhino Formosa. This moment symbolizes the unbroken bond between our countries. Based on our strong diplomatic relationship, Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to work together for the benefit of both our nations as well as the rest of the international community.

May the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini endure for many years to come. I would like to end by thanking everyone here for their conservation efforts. Your work is helping ensure the survival of humanity. Thank you.