News & activities
News releases
On the morning of October 9, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for His Majesty King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of the Kingdom of Eswatini, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with the king at the Presidential Office, after which they jointly witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen its diplomatic ties with Eswatini, and through cooperative endeavors, advance industrial development and enhance the welfare of both peoples. The president also expressed hope that the two nations will continue working hand in hand to safeguard regional peace and advance prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Today, I have the pleasure of seeing His Majesty King Mswati III again, less than six months since we last met. We are delighted that your distinguished delegation has traveled to Taiwan to join us in celebrating our nation’s birthday. This past April, due to external interference, I was unable to personally attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. I would like to again thank you and the government of Eswatini for the great assistance you provided, as well as the wisdom and courage you demonstrated, in sending your aircraft to make my state visit to Eswatini in May possible.
During that trip, I was received ceremoniously and warmly by Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, members of the royal family, government officials, and the people of Eswatini. I truly experienced the depth of the friendship between our countries. Eswatini’s steadfast support is something that the people of Taiwan and I will always cherish.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Your Majesty on assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation this year. I am confident that with your wise, outstanding leadership and rich experience, Eswatini is certain to further contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Southern Africa.
In this rapidly changing global landscape, countries must work together to maintain regional peace, security, and stability. I thank Your Majesty and the government of Eswatini for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation. For many years, Your Majesty has consistently voiced support for Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2025, you urged the international community to correctly interpret UNGA Resolution 2758. This year, you underlined Taiwan’s vital role in global supply chains, calling on the UN to seek appropriate ways to facilitate Taiwan’s substantive participation in UN meetings and activities. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with Eswatini to jointly safeguard peace and advance prosperity, showing the world the strength of our mutual support.
Over the years, Taiwan and Eswatini have achieved fruitful results in such fields as medicine and public health, education and vocational training, digital technology, infrastructure, and energy development. In terms of governance, Your Majesty has focused on efficiency, innovation, a forward-looking vision, and job creation. Through bilateral cooperation, we hope to jointly advance industrial development and enhance the welfare of our peoples.
I am especially grateful to Your Majesty and the government of Eswatini for your support in establishing the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. We look forward to seeing more Taiwanese companies investing in Eswatini and making it a major gateway into African markets. This will further strengthen our economic partnership.
Today, we will also witness the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. This marks an important milestone in deepening judicial cooperation. Through mutual assistance and by sharing our experiences, we will jointly uphold the rule of law and create more secure and stable environments for both our peoples.
In closing, I once again extend a warm welcome to Your Majesty, Inkhosikati Zuma, and all our distinguished guests. Building on our strong existing foundation, Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to expand cooperation across all domains and work together toward an even more prosperous future. I wish this state visit every success.
King Mswati III then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for inviting him to Taiwan, which he described as his second home, and saying that he always feels welcome and at home here. He noted that during the visit to Eswatini in May, President Lai had also invited the Queen Mother to visit Taiwan. The king said that Her Majesty personally asked him to convey to President Lai that, as an important traditional ceremony takes place in Eswatini each year from November to January, she is unable to travel at this time, but would be happy to visit Taiwan as early as next year, once the ceremony is complete.
King Mswati III noted that the many exchanges of visits between government officials this year are a sign of the good friendship between the two countries. He said he had been looking forward to returning to Taiwan to express his firm support, because a true friend is there in good times and bad. Noting the longstanding close cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, he said that the delegation hopes to explore further opportunities and ways to cooperate even more effectively. Some members of the delegation will also participate in international business exchange events hosted by Taiwan, he said. He expressed hope that the two sides will build on their existing cooperation to further expand bilateral trade and develop closer partnerships between businesses in Eswatini and Taiwan.
King Mswati III thanked Taiwan for its longstanding support for Eswatini’s development in many areas. He noted that Eswatini, as one of Africa’s developing countries, is working with other African nations toward the shared goal of realizing Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, with the aim of enabling all Africans to live side by side in peace. African countries recognize that no country can go forward on its own without the support of others, he said, and that cooperation and mutual support are essential to making progress together. In light of developments around the world, he added, the spirit of living together in peace is very important. He said that attracting more investment requires Africa to maintain peace and ensure that everything it does is consistent with the rule of law.
King Mswati III emphasized that peace is essential for Africa to make further progress in development. Describing Taiwan as a well-developed country with vast experience in areas such as agro-industry and technology, he expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to share its experience and ideas to help Africa advance, enabling its countries to gradually become developed nations. He also expressed hope that this visit will provide the delegation with an opportunity to learn more from Taiwan’s experience and ideas, so that they can share what they learn with other African countries.
King Mswati III also expressed keen interest in the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which would shortly be signed. He expressed hope that the agreement will be put to full use and implemented effectively. He also said that he looks forward to the other activities on his itinerary, and commended Taiwan’s achievements in peace, stability, and progress across many areas.
After the bilateral talks, President Lai and King Mswati III witnessed Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) and Eswatini Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane sign the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
The delegation also included Eswatini Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Bheki Khumalo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Eswatini Ambassador Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene.
