Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On May 2, President Lai Ching-te departed for Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The delegation arrived successfully at 9:00 am local time. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that although the trip had been temporarily postponed due to unjustified external interference, this has done nothing to diminish Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world, and Taiwan will not allow itself to be absent from the international stage because of it. Taiwan and Eswatini are steadfast allies, she emphasized, who have together weathered many ups and downs. She stated that the delegation will advance the three core objectives of shared prosperity in security, prosperity in economy, and prosperity in digital technology , and that Taiwan will move forward side by side with Eswatini on the path of mutual benefits and shared prosperity, enhancing the friendship and well-being of the peoples of both nations.Spokesperson Kuo noted that in light of the uncertainties and risks posed by certain recent incidents to the safety of heads of state and to aviation security, the national security team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the trip would be carried out in a manner befitting national dignity and consistent with international norms and aviation safety principles, while ensuring the full success of the nation's diplomatic mission and the fullest possible safety of the president and all delegation members. In keeping with the tacit understanding reached with the like-minded, friendly parties who assisted with the security and logistics of this visit, certain security-related details will not be disclosed until an appropriate time after the visit concludes. The spokesperson also expressed the sincere gratitude of the government and people of Taiwan to His Majesty the King of Eswatini and his government team for their full support in making the relevant arrangements.Spokesperson Kuo indicated that engaging with the world and interacting with people across the globe are natural, inalienable rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan. This visit, which commenced after being temporarily postponed due to external interference, demonstrates the determination and will of the Taiwanese people to engage with the world. It is also an assertion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) 's fundamental rights as a member of the international community. Our nation adheres to rules-based international norms and is committed to mutual benefits and shared prosperity within the international community. This visit serves as a concrete demonstration of Taiwan's commitment, alongside all like-minded nations, to upholding the international order.Spokesperson Kuo stated that upon the delegation's arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Taiwan's Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H.S. Liang (梁洪昇) and Eswatini Chief Protocol Officer Khandlela Mdluli boarded the plane to welcome the president. After alighting from the plane, President Lai was received by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu , who accompanied the president as he received military honors. The president also extended warm greetings to the staff and families of the embassy and technical mission who had gathered to welcome him.During his visit, President Lai will hold bilateral talks with King Mswati III, during which they will jointly witness the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement between the two nations' governments, as well as sign a joint communiqué.

On the morning of May 3 (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te proceeded to the Royal Science and Technology Park in the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he heard briefings on the strategic oil reserve facility and the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP). In remarks, President Lai stated that these two flagship initiatives are the largest and most strategically significant cooperation projects since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The president pointed out that in the face of the restructuring of global supply chains, the challenges posed by climate change, and the AI wave, trusted relationships are now more vital than ever before, emphasizing that Taiwan will continue to leverage its core strengths – namely, its values, resilience, and technology – as it deepens cooperation and exchanges with Eswatini to build a more secure and reliable supply chain system and partnership.After arriving at the venue, President Lai first heard briefings from the Overseas Investment and Development Corporation and CECI Engineering Consultants on the strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP, which gave a clear picture of the current progress of these major cooperation projects between Taiwan and Eswatini.A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:First, I want to express my gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for the invitation to visit Eswatini. I also thank His Majesty’s government for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation. Through this visit, we are demonstrating our nations’ profound diplomatic alliance and witnessing the significant progress achieved in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. This September will mark the 58th anniversary of the establishment of formal ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. The close collaboration between our two countries across various fields, including politics, the economy and trade, and healthcare, has helped establish a deeply rooted and stable partnership.We just heard briefings on two flagship initiatives – the strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP. These are our largest and most strategically significant cooperation projects since our establishment of diplomatic relations. They reflect the brighter and more prosperous future we are pursuing together. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to King Mswati Ⅲ and the government and people of Eswatini for putting their full trust in Taiwan and supporting us to such lengths.The strategic oil reserve facility signifies greater energy security and national resilience amid the possibility of risks and crises. The TIIP represents a forward-thinking industrial plan and the aspiration to develop. The former will uphold stability; the latter will unleash growth. These constitute a significant milestone as Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation enters its next phase.In a rapidly changing global landscape, we face the restructuring of global supply chains, the challenges posed by climate change, and the AI wave. Trusted relationships are now more vital than ever before. Taiwan remains a dependable and enduring cooperative partner to Eswatini.Eswatini is a steadfast ally of Taiwan in Africa. And it is an important gateway for Taiwanese enterprises seeking to enter the African market. We look forward to fostering deeper economic and trade cooperation with Eswatini through the TIIP. Doing so will attract even more Taiwanese enterprises to invest in Eswatini and cultivate local talent. In turn, this will create local jobs, enable more local businesses to join global supply chains, and enhance Eswatini’s national economic resilience.I would like to convey my appreciation to friends from the Taiwanese business community in Africa. Your hard work is letting the world see Taiwan’s strengths. Wherever Taiwanese industry goes, Taiwan’s strengths go, too. And wherever Taiwanese businesspeople go, Taiwan’s friendship is planted there, too. In the future, Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to expand cooperation in such areas as manufacturing, agro-processing, digital transformation, and talent development. This will support Eswatini’s industrial upgrading and economic diversification. In addition, Taiwan hopes to explore access to African markets with Eswatini. Together, we can generate even more economic value.Taiwan needs the world, and the world needs Taiwan. Taiwan hopes to join hands with Eswatini and engage more closely with the world. Taiwan will continue to leverage its core strengths – namely, its values, resilience, and technology – as it works with Eswatini and like-minded partners. Deepening cooperation and exchanges, we will build a more secure and reliable supply chain system and partnerships.The true depth of our diplomatic alliance is reflected in one cooperative achievement after another. Looking ahead, I have every confidence that through our nations’ joint efforts, we can fortify energy security and spur industrial development. Let us move forward together so that the bright prospects of prosperity for Taiwan and Eswatini can shine on the global stage.After delivering remarks, President Lai proceeded to a third-floor open-air observation deck where he viewed the entire first phase site of the TIIP and heard a briefing given by CECI Engineering Consultants Director Roger Tsai (蔡欽耀) on the planning and layout of the various factory and facility blocks within the park.Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Bheki Khumalo, and Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya.

On the morning of May 5, President Lai Ching-te returned to Taiwan after the conclusion of his state visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, and delivered remarks on his visit at Taoyuan International Airport. In his remarks, President Lai reported on the achievements of the trip, including the positive results of Taiwan and Eswatini's collaboration that he witnessed in areas such as energy, industry, agriculture, smart healthcare, women's empowerment, and cultural and educational exchanges.President Lai emphasized that the world is shared by all, and Taiwan is part of that world. He asserted that the people of Taiwan have the right to engage with the world and will not be deterred by pressure. The president said that this visit not only deepens the two nations' diplomatic ties spanning over half a century, but also demonstrates Taiwan's resolve to work with like-minded nations to uphold the international order, further underscoring Taiwan's willingness to participate in and contribute more to the international community.A translation of President Lai's remarks follows:We have returned!From our departure on May 2 to our return today, May 5, we have traveled more than 25,000 kilometers over 84 hours. We have successfully concluded this diplomatic visit to our ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and safely returned to Taiwan.On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to express my gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III, the government of Eswatini, and all the nation's people. Thank you for your heartfelt, warm, and steadfast support. Although Taiwan and Eswatini are geographically separated by thousands of kilometers, the friendship and trust between our peoples are stronger than ever.Standing beside me is Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who has personally traveled with us across vast distances to ensure my and the delegation's smooth journey. I would also like to express our sincerest appreciation to her once again.Deputy Prime Minister Dladla, your thoughtful and detailed arrangements truly reflect Eswatini's exceptional hospitality. I would like to report to the people of Taiwan that throughout this visit, we have witnessed concrete results in Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation, including in energy security, industrial investment, agriculture, smart healthcare, women's empowerment, as well as cultural and educational exchanges. Such cooperation not only symbolizes the depth of the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini spanning over half a century, but also highlights Taiwan's commitment to working with international partners for greater security, prosperity, and progress.The Republic of China (Taiwan) has demonstrated through its actions that true national strength lies not in making others capitulate, but in bringing happiness to all.Some media have characterized this state visit as a “breakthrough” amid external interference. In truth, however, visits between heads of state are very natural – as natural as visits between friends, and are a basic right of every country. The external pressure this trip temporarily experienced has, on the contrary, allowed the international community to see Taiwan's firm determination and strong will to engage with the world. It has also underscored that upholding a rules-based international order and protecting global peace and stability from any efforts to undermine them have become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention from the international community.The Republic of China (Taiwan) abides by rules-based international norms and aims to advance mutual benefits and shared prosperity in the international community. This visit strengthens our diplomatic ties and is an exercise of our basic diplomatic rights. It also stands as a concrete example of how Taiwan is working with like-minded countries to maintain the international order.Dear friends, citizens: The Earth is round – the world is shared by all. And Taiwan is part of that world.The people of Taiwan are people of the world, and they have every right to engage with the world. We will not back down in the face of pressure. Rather, the peace-loving and freedom-loving people of Taiwan will continue to uphold the principles of justice and reason. We will continue to participate in the international community and make our contributions in a stable and responsible manner. In the spirit of mutual assistance for mutual benefits, we will work with people in every corner of the world to build a better future for all.Finally, I want to thank my national security and foreign affairs teams, as well as the officials who remained on duty here in Taiwan. Thank you for ensuring the success of this mission in such a short time, while upholding our national interests and security under the most careful and rigorous arrangements. Thank you for your outstanding performance. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our like-minded friends and allies for their support in the success of this mission. A more stable global order requires more of this type of close cooperation. We will keep pushing forward. Let's keep going, Taiwan! May Taiwan be blessed!Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis was present at the airport to welcome the president.