Swaziland is in the courting stage with Russia, with the latter having recently taken great measures to woo the former. Indeed, the federation signed a visa-free travel agreement, promised additional scholarships, and offered military assistance for the civil unrest. Swaziland and Russia are in the early development stage of their relationship, but Swaziland and Taiwan are in bed with each other. What’s interesting is that Taiwan has recently placed sanctions on Russia. Where will this tension leave our troubled little kingdom?
We all know that the war between Russia and Ukraine is underway. Well, it turns out that Taiwan disapproved of Russia’s actions, and proceeded to impose sanctions on the 24th of February last year. Taiwan even went as far as expanding those sanctions on the third day of 2023. This was communicated by way of a statement released by the country’s Minister of Economic Affairs. As a result of these sanctions, Taiwan will not be selling Russia any botulinum toxin, nitric acid, or stainless steel no. 316; among other things.
Russia isn’t so fond of Taiwan either. In fact, Taiwan is part of Russia’s list of ‘unfriendly countries’ which was released on the 7th of March last year. This shouldn’t come as a surprise though, because the list is quite long. Taiwan’s fellow ‘listmates’ include Iceland, Canada, the United States, and Japan; just to name a few. Since it’s clear to see that the feelings between Taiwan and Russia are mutual, one wonders how Swaziland manages to be friends with the two.
Swaziland has been in the grips of a civil unrest crisis since June of 2021. The country has been experiencing spates of violence, with protests turning into scenes of absolute pandemonium. His Majesty’s government has been standing its ground as a plethora of emaSwati demand democratic reforms. The kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has assured everyone that the country’s security forces are capable of handling any local threat. Still, it’s hard to resist the question of which friend Swaziland would turn to in times of crisis.
How do you think Swaziland is able to maintain good ties with Taiwan and Russia, countries that appear to be sworn enemies? Do you think King Mswati III somehow has a role in the country’s ability to be on good terms with both of these nations? Do you see a disaster waiting to happen between Swaziland, Russia, and Taiwan? Join the conversation.
Content created and supplied by: GavinMndawe11 (via Opera
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