President Lai returns to Taiwan; Presidential Office releases farewell footage from Eswatini
President Lai Ching-te has returned to Taiwan after concluding his visit to Eswatini. After a highly secretive journey, the Presidential Office released footage of his farewell from Eswatini, and he was escorted by four Air Force F-16 fighter jets upon his return.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 15:56
- 🔍 Collected: May 5, 2026 at 16:02 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 5, 2026 at 16:04 (2 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, May 5th) President Lai Ching-te concluded his visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan this morning. The President traveled to and from Eswatini on the King of Eswatini's special plane, with both departure and return kept highly confidential. After President Lai's return to Taiwan, the Presidential Office released footage of the President departing from King Mswati III International Airport for Taiwan on the morning of May 4th local time (afternoon of the same day, Taipei time).
According to the video provided by the Presidential Office, President Lai was accompanied by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu, receiving a farewell with traditional song and dance performances, passing by an honor guard, and finally waving to those who saw him off, marking the successful conclusion of his state visit.
Upon his return to Taiwan, President Lai delivered a speech at the airport, stating that although his trip was once obstructed, it allowed the world to see the Taiwanese people's firm determination and will to engage with the world; "Taiwan belongs to the world, Taiwanese are global citizens, and Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world." He emphasized that peace-loving and freedom-loving Taiwanese will participate and contribute more on the world stage with a steady and responsible attitude.
In addition, after President Lai's special plane entered Taiwan's airspace, four Air Force F-16 fighter jets also took off to escort him, ensuring his safe landing at Taoyuan International Airport. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150505
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(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, May 5th) President Lai Ching-te concluded his visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan this morning. The President traveled to and from Eswatini on the King of Eswatini's special plane, with both departure and return kept highly confidential. After President Lai's return to Taiwan, the Presidential Office released footage of the President departing from King Mswati III International Airport for Taiwan on the morning of May 4th local time (afternoon of the same day, Taipei time).
According to the video provided by the Presidential Office, President Lai was accompanied by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu, receiving a farewell with traditional song and dance performances, passing by an honor guard, and finally waving to those who saw him off, marking the successful conclusion of his state visit.
Upon his return to Taiwan, President Lai delivered a speech at the airport, stating that although his trip was once obstructed, it allowed the world to see the Taiwanese people's firm determination and will to engage with the world; "Taiwan belongs to the world, Taiwanese are global citizens, and Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world." He emphasized that peace-loving and freedom-loving Taiwanese will participate and contribute more on the world stage with a steady and responsible attitude.
In addition, after President Lai's special plane entered Taiwan's airspace, four Air Force F-16 fighter jets also took off to escort him, ensuring his safe landing at Taoyuan International Airport. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150505
Choose to stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcasted, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.