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On the morning of October 9, President Lai Ching-te welcomed His Majesty King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of the Kingdom of Eswatini with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai stated that this year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini, and that the two countries have always advanced side by side from a position of trust. He expressed hope that the two nations will continue to deepen cooperation across all domains, enhancing the solid foundation which has already been laid for their diplomatic ties.
The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. at the main plaza of the National Theater and Concert Hall of the National Performing Arts Center. President Lai and King Mswati III each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to welcome His Majesty King Mswati III and his delegation to Taiwan on the eve of our National Day. This year we mark the 58th anniversary of the diplomatic partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini. And this is His Majesty the King’s 20th visit to Taiwan at the head of a delegation. Over the years, His Majesty has demonstrated support for Taiwan through action. He has also witnessed the development of our two nations’ enduring diplomatic ties, which span over half a century.
Regardless of any changes in the international situation, Taiwan and Eswatini have always advanced side by side from a position of trust. We are partners who support each other and grow together. Especially in recent years, under the framework of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, our two countries have continued to deepen cooperation across all domains while strengthening people-to-people exchanges. We anticipate that with His Majesty’s strong support, we will continue to enhance the solid foundation we have already laid for our two nations’ diplomatic ties.
Today, we have extended a warm welcome to His Majesty, Inkhosikati Zuma, and all of our guests with full military honors. I hope that throughout your time here, you will experience the warmth and friendliness of the people of Taiwan. I wish you a successful and rewarding stay.
King Mswati III then delivered remarks, stating that it is a great honor to join President Lai in Taiwan on the special occasion of National Day. He conveyed the warm greetings of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the government, and the people of Eswatini, extending their congratulations and best wishes to the people of Taiwan. The king expressed that they all deeply value the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries, adding that they look forward to strengthening these bonds for the benefit of both peoples.
King Mswati III noted that when the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1968, Eswatini was taking its first steps as an independent nation, and the friendship forged then has accompanied Eswatini’s development for 58 years. Across changing circumstances and successive generations, he said, the two nations have continued to place their trust in one another and cooperate steadfastly. Recalling President Lai’s state visit to Eswatini in May this year, the king mentioned that they jointly celebrated the double milestones of the 40th anniversary of his reign and the 58th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence. He stated that it is a pleasure to stand beside President Lai again, united by a shared commitment to carry this friendship forward. He went on to emphasize his confidence in the future of their partnership and the determination to ensure that it continues to bring lasting benefits to both peoples.
King Mswati III stated that the Kingdom of Eswatini will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities and structures of the United Nations, as well as its inclusion in relevant multilateral organizations for the benefit of humankind. In closing, he once again conveyed heartfelt congratulations to President Lai and the government and people of Taiwan, saying that he looks forward to joining them the next day in sharing the pride, hope, and aspirations of this important occasion. He wished for the people of Taiwan to continue to enjoy peace, well-being, and prosperity, and for the friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan to continue to grow from strength to strength.
Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Eswatini Ambassador Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis, and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
