Goodwill across thousands of miles: Overwhelmed by gratitude for Taiwan's warmth in Eswatini
A Central News Agency reporter experienced the deep gratitude and enthusiasm of the people of Eswatini for Taiwan's assistance. This highlights the strong diplomatic ties and the positive impact of Taiwan's international contributions in the region.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 09:52
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 10:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 03:27 (17h 25m after Collected)
Central News Agency correspondent Li Yi-hsuan in Ezulwini
2026/5/7 08:52
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After the President announced his arrival at Eswatini airport, I received a call from the agency asking if I could immediately depart for an interview. At that time, I was happily participating in a Taiwanese carnival event in South Africa. Upon hearing the news, I didn't even have time for lunch, quickly drove home for an hour to pack, booked a flight, entrusted my dog to a neighbor, contacted my husband to take care of the children, and then rushed to the airport to catch an evening flight.
Unexpectedly, a tragedy occurred at the airport: the local travel agency had not properly issued the ticket. I had to change to the first flight the next morning, rushing to arrive.
This was my first time in Eswatini. When I was getting a local SIM card and renting a car at the airport, the counter staff's eyes immediately lit up when they learned I was Taiwanese. They started chatting as if they had seen an old friend they hadn't met for years.
Sibusiso, an employee of the car rental company, said: "Your President is in Eswatini now. We are good friends with Taiwan!" This was probably the most common phrase I heard during the next three days of interviews.
On the way from the airport to Ezulwini, the first difference I noticed from Taiwan was a large flock of sheep blocking my way on the highway. The ewes, with their lambs, leisurely walked slowly in the lane, so I had to stop and wait for them. Finally, when the car could pass, the wheels still had to dodge one cow dung mine after another, which was a great test of driving skills.
There were very few cars on the road, and they were not driving fast. I was probably one of the very few people on the highway who drove at the maximum speed limit of 120 kilometers. Passing other cars that were only driving 80 to 100 kilometers, I couldn't help but wonder if I was speeding.
After entering the city, I realized that this seemed to be the consistent pace of life for the people of Eswatini: slow and leisurely. There were almost no people rushing in the city.
Although more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, most of the people I saw had calm and relaxed faces, and some would smile and say hello from time to time, being very kind and friendly.
Several people eagerly pulled me aside and asked about Taiwan's education situation. Some wanted to study in Taiwan, while others had relatives and friends who were studying in Taiwan or had already returned after studying there.
President Lai went to the Eswatini International Convention Center (ICC) on the 3rd local time. In addition to enjoying the welcoming traditional song and dance performance, he also visited the exhibition and various facilities of the International Convention Center, accompanied by the King of Eswatini, several royal family members, and Eswatini cabinet officials.
Central News Agency reporters interviewed several people outside the venue. Nomfanelo, who works in the construction industry, also participated in the construction of the International Convention Center. She is saving money, hoping to study civil engineering in Taiwan one day, learn new technologies, and return to her country to become a professional civil engineer.
One of her good friends is studying mechanical engineering in Taiwan, and four or five other friends in various fields also have dreams of studying abroad in Taiwan.
Nomfanelo said: "Taiwan and Eswatini are both peaceful and friendly countries. So I really want to go there and experience different cultures."
A local resident interviewed said that after living there for 25 years, he has personally witnessed the country's increasing progress and is very grateful for Taiwan's help.
Another young woman said that Taiwan has assisted in building many infrastructures and provided transportation resources needed for medical services. She sincerely thanked President Lai for coming from afar and firmly believed that the President would fall in love with Eswatini's newly completed International Convention Center.
On the last day before leaving, because there was still some work to be done, it was two hours overtime when returning the car at the airport. According to regulations, an extra day's fee had to be charged. However, Sibusiso gave me a smile and said, "Just pay the original price."
He said: "Thank you Taiwan for your long-term help to Eswatini, providing support in education, agriculture, technology, and many other aspects. Even the airport was built with reference to Taiwan's airport. We are very good friends with Taiwan!"
Unexpectedly, on the African continent, more than 10,000 kilometers away from Taiwan, there is a place where people love my country as much as I do. Although we had never met, they kept telling me thank you Taiwan, and how good Taiwan has been to them. On the last day in the airport waiting room, I felt like I was leaving home and was reluctant to go. (Editors: Tang Pei-chun/Chou Yung-chieh/Chen Yen-chun) 1150507
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2026/5/7 08:52
Recommended reading
After the President announced his arrival at Eswatini airport, I received a call from the agency asking if I could immediately depart for an interview. At that time, I was happily participating in a Taiwanese carnival event in South Africa. Upon hearing the news, I didn't even have time for lunch, quickly drove home for an hour to pack, booked a flight, entrusted my dog to a neighbor, contacted my husband to take care of the children, and then rushed to the airport to catch an evening flight.
Unexpectedly, a tragedy occurred at the airport: the local travel agency had not properly issued the ticket. I had to change to the first flight the next morning, rushing to arrive.
This was my first time in Eswatini. When I was getting a local SIM card and renting a car at the airport, the counter staff's eyes immediately lit up when they learned I was Taiwanese. They started chatting as if they had seen an old friend they hadn't met for years.
Sibusiso, an employee of the car rental company, said: "Your President is in Eswatini now. We are good friends with Taiwan!" This was probably the most common phrase I heard during the next three days of interviews.
On the way from the airport to Ezulwini, the first difference I noticed from Taiwan was a large flock of sheep blocking my way on the highway. The ewes, with their lambs, leisurely walked slowly in the lane, so I had to stop and wait for them. Finally, when the car could pass, the wheels still had to dodge one cow dung mine after another, which was a great test of driving skills.
There were very few cars on the road, and they were not driving fast. I was probably one of the very few people on the highway who drove at the maximum speed limit of 120 kilometers. Passing other cars that were only driving 80 to 100 kilometers, I couldn't help but wonder if I was speeding.
After entering the city, I realized that this seemed to be the consistent pace of life for the people of Eswatini: slow and leisurely. There were almost no people rushing in the city.
Although more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, most of the people I saw had calm and relaxed faces, and some would smile and say hello from time to time, being very kind and friendly.
Several people eagerly pulled me aside and asked about Taiwan's education situation. Some wanted to study in Taiwan, while others had relatives and friends who were studying in Taiwan or had already returned after studying there.
President Lai went to the Eswatini International Convention Center (ICC) on the 3rd local time. In addition to enjoying the welcoming traditional song and dance performance, he also visited the exhibition and various facilities of the International Convention Center, accompanied by the King of Eswatini, several royal family members, and Eswatini cabinet officials.
Central News Agency reporters interviewed several people outside the venue. Nomfanelo, who works in the construction industry, also participated in the construction of the International Convention Center. She is saving money, hoping to study civil engineering in Taiwan one day, learn new technologies, and return to her country to become a professional civil engineer.
One of her good friends is studying mechanical engineering in Taiwan, and four or five other friends in various fields also have dreams of studying abroad in Taiwan.
Nomfanelo said: "Taiwan and Eswatini are both peaceful and friendly countries. So I really want to go there and experience different cultures."
A local resident interviewed said that after living there for 25 years, he has personally witnessed the country's increasing progress and is very grateful for Taiwan's help.
Another young woman said that Taiwan has assisted in building many infrastructures and provided transportation resources needed for medical services. She sincerely thanked President Lai for coming from afar and firmly believed that the President would fall in love with Eswatini's newly completed International Convention Center.
On the last day before leaving, because there was still some work to be done, it was two hours overtime when returning the car at the airport. According to regulations, an extra day's fee had to be charged. However, Sibusiso gave me a smile and said, "Just pay the original price."
He said: "Thank you Taiwan for your long-term help to Eswatini, providing support in education, agriculture, technology, and many other aspects. Even the airport was built with reference to Taiwan's airport. We are very good friends with Taiwan!"
Unexpectedly, on the African continent, more than 10,000 kilometers away from Taiwan, there is a place where people love my country as much as I do. Although we had never met, they kept telling me thank you Taiwan, and how good Taiwan has been to them. On the last day in the airport waiting room, I felt like I was leaving home and was reluctant to go. (Editors: Tang Pei-chun/Chou Yung-chieh/Chen Yen-chun) 1150507
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to instantly grasp the latest news.
The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.