President Attends Eswatini State Banquet, Hopes for Everlasting Friendship and Creation of More Prosperous and Progressive Nation
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, emphasizing strong ties and cooperation at a state banquet. A joint communiqué and a customs agreement were signed, and King Mswati III expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful contributions at the United Nations.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 19:26
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 4th) President Lai Ching-te is currently visiting Eswatini. During the state banquet hosted by the King of Eswatini, he stated that the diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini are eternally firm, and any external intervention will only further solidify the friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the two nations would cooperate like a family to create a more prosperous, progressive, and better society for their people.
King Mswati III said that he hopes that in the spirit of "leaving no one behind," the United Nations will consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all humanity in the future.
The Presidential Office issued a press release stating that President Lai attended the state banquet hosted by King Mswati III on the evening of the 3rd local time (early morning of the 4th Taipei time), expressing gratitude for the King's warm invitation and hospitality, which made the delegation feel welcomed and at home.
The President stated that this visit has been very fruitful. In addition to signing a joint communiqué with the King, they also witnessed the foreign ministers of both countries sign the "Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement." He believes this will help consolidate the diplomatic ties between the two countries, and that future economic, trade, and various cooperative exchanges can further develop. Furthermore, the King, especially the Queen Mother, promised to visit Taiwan again.
The President mentioned that the Queen Mother's previous visit to Taiwan was ten years ago. The Queen Mother said that Taiwan is her second home and deeply felt that she had not returned to her home in Taiwan for a long time, and that her home in Taiwan missed her. Therefore, she happily promised to visit Taiwan as soon as possible.
The President noted that the International Convention Centre (ICC), where they were present today, is an international-class building. It will undoubtedly become a landmark of the Kingdom of Eswatini in the future and a development center for the MICE industry in Southern Africa, as well as a venue for international conferences. He thanked the King for personally guiding him, which allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the venue. It not only possesses the most modernized conference halls and all advanced technological equipment required for conferences but also integrates Eswatini's local culture and artists' works.
The President pointed out that the King has bravely spoken out for Taiwan on various international occasions. From the King's grasp of various national political issues in Eswatini and his blueprint for future development, one can feel the King's wisdom. Over the past 40 years, Eswatini has made significant progress under the King's leadership, and he believes that future progress will be even more remarkable, and the lives of the people will certainly improve.
The President hoped that the diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini would be eternally firm, and that the feelings between the peoples of the two countries would not be affected by any external interference. Any external intervention would only further consolidate the friendship between the two countries, and he hoped that the two nations would cooperate like a family to create a more prosperous, progressive, and better society for their people.
King Mswati III stated in his speech that since the inauguration ceremony of the International Convention Centre a few days ago, many Eswatini citizens and visitors have continuously visited and appreciated this achievement. He also added that this area is one of the important locations for relevant declarations on UN reform.
King Mswati III mentioned that Taiwan is currently not a member of the United Nations and cannot fully participate in all UN-related agencies, but the 23 million people of Taiwan hope to contribute to humanity. In this challenging world, people of all nations should work together and support each other. The United Nations emphasizes "leaving no one behind," but in reality, there are still people being excluded. Therefore, he made a strong appeal for Taiwan, hoping that in the spirit of "leaving no one behind," the United Nations will consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all humanity in the future.
King Mswati III said that in Eswatini, Taiwan's contributions in infrastructure, agricultural development, water supply systems, and rural electrification can be seen. This includes the International Convention Centre; while the government invested significant funds, Taiwan also actively participated in jointly completing this construction. Therefore, he is very pleased that President Lai could personally witness this successful example upon its completion.
King Mswati III pointed out that Taiwan possesses strong international competitiveness in semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. He hopes that by introducing Taiwan's experience, related industries can be developed, and bilateral relations can continue to deepen and grow.
After the state banquet, the President also joined many Eswatini royal family members and cabinet officials at the performing arts hall to watch a cultural performance and a fireworks show. (Edited by: Lin Ke-lun, Lin Hsing-meng) 1150504
(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 4th) President Lai Ching-te is currently visiting Eswatini. During the state banquet hosted by the King of Eswatini, he stated that the diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini are eternally firm, and any external intervention will only further solidify the friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the two nations would cooperate like a family to create a more prosperous, progressive, and better society for their people.
King Mswati III said that he hopes that in the spirit of "leaving no one behind," the United Nations will consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all humanity in the future.
The Presidential Office issued a press release stating that President Lai attended the state banquet hosted by King Mswati III on the evening of the 3rd local time (early morning of the 4th Taipei time), expressing gratitude for the King's warm invitation and hospitality, which made the delegation feel welcomed and at home.
The President stated that this visit has been very fruitful. In addition to signing a joint communiqué with the King, they also witnessed the foreign ministers of both countries sign the "Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement." He believes this will help consolidate the diplomatic ties between the two countries, and that future economic, trade, and various cooperative exchanges can further develop. Furthermore, the King, especially the Queen Mother, promised to visit Taiwan again.
The President mentioned that the Queen Mother's previous visit to Taiwan was ten years ago. The Queen Mother said that Taiwan is her second home and deeply felt that she had not returned to her home in Taiwan for a long time, and that her home in Taiwan missed her. Therefore, she happily promised to visit Taiwan as soon as possible.
The President noted that the International Convention Centre (ICC), where they were present today, is an international-class building. It will undoubtedly become a landmark of the Kingdom of Eswatini in the future and a development center for the MICE industry in Southern Africa, as well as a venue for international conferences. He thanked the King for personally guiding him, which allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the venue. It not only possesses the most modernized conference halls and all advanced technological equipment required for conferences but also integrates Eswatini's local culture and artists' works.
The President pointed out that the King has bravely spoken out for Taiwan on various international occasions. From the King's grasp of various national political issues in Eswatini and his blueprint for future development, one can feel the King's wisdom. Over the past 40 years, Eswatini has made significant progress under the King's leadership, and he believes that future progress will be even more remarkable, and the lives of the people will certainly improve.
The President hoped that the diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini would be eternally firm, and that the feelings between the peoples of the two countries would not be affected by any external interference. Any external intervention would only further consolidate the friendship between the two countries, and he hoped that the two nations would cooperate like a family to create a more prosperous, progressive, and better society for their people.
King Mswati III stated in his speech that since the inauguration ceremony of the International Convention Centre a few days ago, many Eswatini citizens and visitors have continuously visited and appreciated this achievement. He also added that this area is one of the important locations for relevant declarations on UN reform.
King Mswati III mentioned that Taiwan is currently not a member of the United Nations and cannot fully participate in all UN-related agencies, but the 23 million people of Taiwan hope to contribute to humanity. In this challenging world, people of all nations should work together and support each other. The United Nations emphasizes "leaving no one behind," but in reality, there are still people being excluded. Therefore, he made a strong appeal for Taiwan, hoping that in the spirit of "leaving no one behind," the United Nations will consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all humanity in the future.
King Mswati III said that in Eswatini, Taiwan's contributions in infrastructure, agricultural development, water supply systems, and rural electrification can be seen. This includes the International Convention Centre; while the government invested significant funds, Taiwan also actively participated in jointly completing this construction. Therefore, he is very pleased that President Lai could personally witness this successful example upon its completion.
King Mswati III pointed out that Taiwan possesses strong international competitiveness in semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. He hopes that by introducing Taiwan's experience, related industries can be developed, and bilateral relations can continue to deepen and grow.
After the state banquet, the President also joined many Eswatini royal family members and cabinet officials at the performing arts hall to watch a cultural performance and a fireworks show. (Edited by: Lin Ke-lun, Lin Hsing-meng) 1150504