President Lai: Sincerely Hopes to Attend in Person, Thanks Eswatini for Supporting Taiwan in Video Message
President Lai Ching-te delivered a pre-recorded video message to a dinner banquet for important foreign guests in allied Eswatini, celebrating the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's enthronement and the historical milestone of 'three 58s'. The President emphasized that Taiwan, a sovereign nation, has the right to engage with the world and will continue to strengthen its capabilities to steadily advance internationally.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 10:35
- 🔍 Collected: April 26, 2026 at 11:01 (26 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 26, 2026 at 12:35 (1h 33m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 26th) President Lai Ching-te today delivered a video message to a dinner banquet for important foreign guests held by allied Eswatini at the International Convention Center. The President emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state, a Taiwan for the world, and that 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world. No country has the right, nor should it, prevent Taiwan from contributing to the world. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily move towards the international community.
President Lai's originally planned trip to Eswatini was obstructed. The Presidential Office issued a press release stating that President Lai delivered a video message this morning to the important foreign guest dinner banquet held by allied Eswatini at the International Convention Center, representing the people of Taiwan to congratulate H.M. King Mswati III on the 40th anniversary of his enthronement and to commemorate the historical milestone of 'three 58s'.
The President, speaking in English, stated that this is not only a national celebration for the Kingdom of Eswatini but also the best testament to the solid friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini. Eswatini has demonstrated extraordinary achievements in infrastructure development, social welfare, healthcare, and regional stability, making Eswatini a pearl of Africa. In particular, Eswatini's electricity access rate has increased to over 85%, one of the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.
President Lai stated that over 58 years, Eswatini's economy has grown more than 61-fold, its national prospects are flourishing, and its national sovereignty is even more secured. The results of Taiwan and Eswatini working together for prosperity show the world that genuine friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations will create a beautiful future.
He mentioned that King Mswati III led a delegation to visit Taiwan in ROC Year 113 (2024) to attend his and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's inauguration ceremony, where plans such as micro-loans for women entrepreneurs and a 'strategic oil reserve' were discussed.
President Lai said that the current tensions in the Gulf region further highlight the importance of ensuring energy security. The 'strategic oil reserve' jointly constructed by Taiwan and Eswatini is expected to be completed in 2028. This initiative not only addresses energy shocks but also demonstrates the King's foresight and his commitment to protecting the nation with courage.
He added that the upcoming 'Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park' is expected to attract more foreign investment and industries to Eswatini, creating more employment opportunities.
President Lai stated that in addition to national development, Taiwan also looks forward to working with Eswatini to exert greater influence internationally and make more contributions to the world. President Lai thanked King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their steadfast support for Taiwan's participation in the international community, saying, "I sincerely hope to be present in person to convey the most sincere blessings of the Taiwanese people to His Majesty and the people of Eswatini."
President Lai said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state, a Taiwan for the world. 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world. The stronger the external pressure, the more courage and determination we must have. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily move towards the international community. No country has the right, nor should it, prevent Taiwan from making efforts to contribute to the world.
He said that for Taiwan, the people of Eswatini are like family, and they will continue to overcome various challenges together, moving forward steadily hand in hand.
It is reported that President Lai's pre-recorded congratulatory video was broadcast during the finale song and dance performance. Under the gaze of the King and 1,500 distinguished guests, it was played sequentially with a video chronicling the King's life, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience three times during the broadcast. (Editor: Su Chih-chung) 1150426
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(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 26th) President Lai Ching-te today delivered a video message to a dinner banquet for important foreign guests held by allied Eswatini at the International Convention Center. The President emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state, a Taiwan for the world, and that 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world. No country has the right, nor should it, prevent Taiwan from contributing to the world. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily move towards the international community.
President Lai's originally planned trip to Eswatini was obstructed. The Presidential Office issued a press release stating that President Lai delivered a video message this morning to the important foreign guest dinner banquet held by allied Eswatini at the International Convention Center, representing the people of Taiwan to congratulate H.M. King Mswati III on the 40th anniversary of his enthronement and to commemorate the historical milestone of 'three 58s'.
The President, speaking in English, stated that this is not only a national celebration for the Kingdom of Eswatini but also the best testament to the solid friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini. Eswatini has demonstrated extraordinary achievements in infrastructure development, social welfare, healthcare, and regional stability, making Eswatini a pearl of Africa. In particular, Eswatini's electricity access rate has increased to over 85%, one of the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.
President Lai stated that over 58 years, Eswatini's economy has grown more than 61-fold, its national prospects are flourishing, and its national sovereignty is even more secured. The results of Taiwan and Eswatini working together for prosperity show the world that genuine friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations will create a beautiful future.
He mentioned that King Mswati III led a delegation to visit Taiwan in ROC Year 113 (2024) to attend his and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's inauguration ceremony, where plans such as micro-loans for women entrepreneurs and a 'strategic oil reserve' were discussed.
President Lai said that the current tensions in the Gulf region further highlight the importance of ensuring energy security. The 'strategic oil reserve' jointly constructed by Taiwan and Eswatini is expected to be completed in 2028. This initiative not only addresses energy shocks but also demonstrates the King's foresight and his commitment to protecting the nation with courage.
He added that the upcoming 'Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park' is expected to attract more foreign investment and industries to Eswatini, creating more employment opportunities.
President Lai stated that in addition to national development, Taiwan also looks forward to working with Eswatini to exert greater influence internationally and make more contributions to the world. President Lai thanked King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their steadfast support for Taiwan's participation in the international community, saying, "I sincerely hope to be present in person to convey the most sincere blessings of the Taiwanese people to His Majesty and the people of Eswatini."
President Lai said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state, a Taiwan for the world. 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world. The stronger the external pressure, the more courage and determination we must have. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily move towards the international community. No country has the right, nor should it, prevent Taiwan from making efforts to contribute to the world.
He said that for Taiwan, the people of Eswatini are like family, and they will continue to overcome various challenges together, moving forward steadily hand in hand.
It is reported that President Lai's pre-recorded congratulatory video was broadcast during the finale song and dance performance. Under the gaze of the King and 1,500 distinguished guests, it was played sequentially with a video chronicling the King's life, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience three times during the broadcast. (Editor: Su Chih-chung) 1150426
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "Firsthand News" APP to stay updated with the latest information.
All text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.