President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te finally jetted into the kingdom yesterday after missing last week’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations.
This was because his planned flight route was denied in light of overflight clearances through several countries believed to be Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
The Taiwanese leader’s delayed arrival had drawn widespread attention, with reports indicating that some nations along the intended route withdrew or refused permission for his aircraft to pass through their airspace.
Taiwan officials suggested the restrictions were linked to pressure from Mainland China, which strongly opposes official diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
Despite the setback, President Lai landed in the country in the early afternoon where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and later went to Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha, where he met His Majesty King Mswati III. This marked the beginning of his State visit programme, which underscores the enduring ties between the two nations.
The country remains Taiwan’s only formal diplomatic ally in Africa, making the visit politically significant amid intensifying global competition for influence. Welcoming the visiting leader, the king observed that the president’s eventual arrival demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the two nations.
“Your coming to visit the kingdom is a true sign of the good friendship and partnership that exists between Taiwan and Eswatini,” said the king.
“We want to once again renew the friendship between our two countries and grow from strength to strength.”
The monarch noted that although President Lai had missed the Ruby Jubilee celebrations marking His Majesty’s 58th birthday and 40 years on the throne, Taiwan had still ensured representation through a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
“Your visit comes immediately after the celebrations and we feel it is actually both two occasions — first, it is the State visit, and of course it is still following up on the celebrations,” he said.
His Majesty also praised Taiwan’s role in Eswatini’s development, especially its support for the recently launched International Convention Centre (ICC), now called Ezulwini Palazzo.
“One of the success stories where Taiwan has contributed is none other than the ICC, which is one of the state-of-the-art convention centres in Africa,” said the king.
“Taiwan has been there as a partner and we thank you for that.”
He also highlighted other strategic projects involving Taiwan, including the planned 500-hectare Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park and the national strategic oil reserve currently under development.
“We are in the process of building a strategic oil reserve,” the king said. “The company doing the project has told us they will be on time, on budget, and deliver to high expectations.”
Meanwhile, President Lai thanked His Majesty and the people of Eswatini for their hospitality, saying the travel delay had not diminished Taiwan’s goodwill.
“Even though I am a few days late for the celebration, it does not take away from our sincerity at all,” he said.
“On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its entire people, I would like to extend my best wishes to His Majesty on his 58th birthday and congratulations on his 40 years of ascension to the throne.”
KEY POINTS OF THE LEADERS’ JOINT COMMUNIQUE:
1. Warm Relations:
- President Lai congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III and Eswatini.
- The king thanked Taiwan for cooperation projects supporting national development.
2. UN Support:
- President Lai praised the king’s 2025 UNGA speech advocating Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations.
3. Agreements and Cooperation:
- Both countries signed an Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
- Taiwan pledged support for the Industrial Innovation Park and Strategic Oil Reserve projects.
- Eswatini committed to maintaining a favourable investment environment.
4. Future Visit:
- President Lai invited King Mswati III to visit Taiwan again.
- The king accepted the invitation.
