President Lai Visits Eswatini; King Declares Taiwan a 'True Friend and Partner'
President Lai Ching-te visited the African ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he was welcomed by the King, who declared Taiwan a 'true friend and partner.' The two nations signed a 'Joint Communiqué,' pledging to strengthen cooperative relations, including trade promotion.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 12:13
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（Central News Agency reporter Lee Yi-Hsuan, Johannesburg, 3rd）President Lai Ching-te embarked on a state visit to the African ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and met with King Mswati III. Upon President Lai's arrival, he was warmly welcomed by the Eswatini government and Taiwanese representatives. The King sincerely thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support, which has not only significantly contributed to Eswatini's economy but also provided assistance in various fields, stating, "Taiwan is a true friend and partner."
According to local television station Eswatini TV, after the Taiwanese delegation arrived in Eswatini, Ambassador Liang Hung-Sheng to the Kingdom of Eswatini and Eswatini's Royal Chief of Protocol Khandlela Mdluli welcomed President Lai. Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu personally greeted President Lai at the airplane's staircase and accompanied him through the honor guard. President Lai also cordially extended greetings.
The report mentioned that during the bilateral meeting, President Lai and H.M. King Mswati III jointly witnessed the signing of a "Joint Communiqué." This Joint Communiqué aims to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini and is committed to enhancing bilateral trade.
According to the report, King Mswati III stated during the meeting that the people of Eswatini have always worked hard to become one of the highly developed nations. In this process, he thanked Taiwan for always being Eswatini's true friend and partner, not only contributing significantly to Eswatini's economy but also providing assistance in various fields, especially noting the completion and inauguration of the International Convention Center (ICC) as having significant meaning for Eswatini.
King Mswati III stated that Taiwan's contributions to Eswatini's economy and social welfare are numerous, and on behalf of the people of Eswatini, he sincerely thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support.
Taiwan's Presidential Office stated that President Lai would next receive briefings on the "Strategic Oil Reserve Tank" and the "Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park," and will also visit the Queen Mother, tour the International Convention Center, attend the King's state banquet, and watch cultural performances and fireworks. (Edited by Chang Chih-Hsuan) 1150503
According to local television station Eswatini TV, after the Taiwanese delegation arrived in Eswatini, Ambassador Liang Hung-Sheng to the Kingdom of Eswatini and Eswatini's Royal Chief of Protocol Khandlela Mdluli welcomed President Lai. Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu personally greeted President Lai at the airplane's staircase and accompanied him through the honor guard. President Lai also cordially extended greetings.
The report mentioned that during the bilateral meeting, President Lai and H.M. King Mswati III jointly witnessed the signing of a "Joint Communiqué." This Joint Communiqué aims to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini and is committed to enhancing bilateral trade.
According to the report, King Mswati III stated during the meeting that the people of Eswatini have always worked hard to become one of the highly developed nations. In this process, he thanked Taiwan for always being Eswatini's true friend and partner, not only contributing significantly to Eswatini's economy but also providing assistance in various fields, especially noting the completion and inauguration of the International Convention Center (ICC) as having significant meaning for Eswatini.
King Mswati III stated that Taiwan's contributions to Eswatini's economy and social welfare are numerous, and on behalf of the people of Eswatini, he sincerely thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support.
Taiwan's Presidential Office stated that President Lai would next receive briefings on the "Strategic Oil Reserve Tank" and the "Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park," and will also visit the Queen Mother, tour the International Convention Center, attend the King's state banquet, and watch cultural performances and fireworks. (Edited by Chang Chih-Hsuan) 1150503