GOVERNMENT has confirmed that Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will no longer attend the double celebration of His Majesty King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and his 40 years of reign scheduled for Friday.
The confirmation was communicated by acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli when quizzed about reports that President Lai’s visit to Eswatini had been cancelled. Mdluli attributed the development to circumstances beyond the control of both nations.
President Lai was expected to arrive in the country today. He would have remained locally until Monday.
During the visit, he was expected to attend the double celebration. The visit would have underscored the enduring diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Mdluli stated that while government regretted the Taiwanese president’s absence, it fully appreciated the complexities surrounding international travel arrangements.
“While the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini regrets that His Excellency Lai Ching-te will no longer be able to physically join us in celebrating His Majesty Mswati III, we fully understand that international travel arrangements can at times be affected by a range of logistical and diplomatic considerations beyond the control of the parties involved,” said Mdluli.
Meanwhile, international reports indicate that the trip was halted after several countries withdrew overflight permissions for the presidential aircraft.
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According to statements attributed to Taiwanese officials, nations along the planned route, including Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, rescinded clearance under external pressure.
Despite the setback, Mdluli emphasised that the development does not weaken the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
“This does not change the status of Eswatini’s longstanding bilateral relations with Taiwan, which continue to be grounded in mutual respect, cooperation and shared development objectives,” she said.
She further reaffirmed that the kingdom remains committed to an independent foreign policy approach.
“As a sovereign nation, Eswatini continues to pursue an independent and principled foreign policy that prioritises peace, cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships with all members of the international community,” Mdluli added.
She said the kingdom remains focused on hosting a successful and dignified celebration of His Majesty’s milestones and welcomes all distinguished guests who are able to join the nation for this historic occasion.
The revocation of his permit to use a flight route was confirmed by President Lai on his official X page.
“Ahead of my visit to Eswatini, several countries along our flight route abruptly revoked overflight clearance under pressure from China,” reads the X post.
The president added that no amount of threat or coercion will shake Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world or diminish its contributions to the global community.
“Our determination to build friendships around the world with like-minded partners remains steadfast despite external pressure,” Lai said.
The president’s visit would have marked his first trip to Eswatini since assuming office in May 2024, and only his second international visit.
Beyond the celebration, he had been scheduled to engage in high-level discussions centred on security cooperation, economic investment and digital development initiatives.
