Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Accompanies Return to Taiwan; President: Taiwanese Have the Right to Go Global [Video]

Central News Agency (Taipei, May 5, Central News Agency reporters Yeh Su-Ping, Kao Hua-Chien) - President Lai Ching-te concluded his visit to allied nation Eswatini and returned to Taiwan this morning, accompanied by Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla. The President delivered a speech at Taoyuan International Airport, stating that the Earth is round, the world belongs to everyone, Taiwan belongs to the world, and Taiwanese are global citizens. Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world and will not shrink back due to suppression. President Lai was all smiles during his speech, with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla by his side. President Lai began his address by saying, "We are back!" From his departure on May 2 to his return to Taiwan today, May 5, after 84 hours and a round trip of 25,000 kilometers, he successfully completed this diplomatic mission to visit allied nation Eswatini and safely returned to Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, he extended gratitude to King Mswati III of Eswatini, the Eswatini government, and all its people for their sincere, warm, and exceptionally firm support. President Lai stated that although Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini are separated by vast distances, the friendship and trust between the two peoples are incredibly close. He expressed his sincerest thanks once again to Deputy Prime Minister Dladla for personally accompanying him on the tens of thousands of kilometers of travel, ensuring his and the delegation's smooth round trip. President Lai then turned to Deputy Prime Minister Dladla and said in both Chinese and English, "You are the best actress in the aerial version of 'Warm Send-off and Pick-up'," which was met with applause. President Lai said that through this visit, he witnessed the concrete results of comprehensive exchanges between Taiwan and Eswatini in areas such as energy security, industrial investment, agricultural cooperation, smart healthcare, women's empowerment, and cultural and educational exchanges. These collaborations are not only a symbol of over half a century of friendship between the two countries but also a concrete action by Taiwan and its international partners to jointly create security, prosperity, and progress. President Lai emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has proven with action that "the true manifestation of national power is not about making others submit, but rather about bringing happiness to all." He stated that media used the word "breakthrough" to describe the external turbulences during this state visit. However, mutual visits between heads of state are originally quite ordinary, just like visiting friends, and are a basic right of every country. "The obstruction of this trip, at one point, instead showed the world the Taiwanese people's firm determination and will to engage with the world," further highlighting that ensuring a rules-based international norm and ensuring global security and stability are not undermined by any force has become a critical and urgent issue that the international community must address today. President Lai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) adheres to all rules-based international norms and is committed to reciprocity and co-prosperity within the international community. This visit was not only about strengthening diplomatic ties and exercising the nation's diplomatic rights but also a concrete demonstration of Taiwan's joint efforts with all like-minded countries to maintain international order. President Lai emphasized that the Earth is round, and the world belongs to everyone. Taiwan belongs to the world, and Taiwanese are global citizens. Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world and will not shrink back due to suppression; on the contrary, peace-loving and freedom-loving Taiwanese will continue to uphold justice and reason, and with a steady and responsible attitude, will provide more participation and contributions on the world stage. Taiwan is also willing to work together with people in every corner of the world on the basis of reciprocity and mutual assistance for a better future. President Lai also thanked the national security, foreign affairs, and government teams remaining in Taiwan for their meticulous and rigorous arrangements in the shortest possible time, ensuring the successful completion of this diplomatic mission and safeguarding national interests and security. The President also thanked all like-minded allies who helped make this mission smooth and safe, stating that a stable international order requires more such joint actions, and Taiwan will continue to strive. Finally, he concluded with "Go Taiwan, God Bless Taiwan." (Editor: Lin Shu-Yuan) 1150505 Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship of yours is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.