BY MBONO MDLULI
LOZITHA – There is no country in this world that has the right to block the Republic of China (Taiwan) from making a contribution in international affairs.
This was said by Lai Ching-te on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Mandvulo Grand Hall. President Lai is currently in Eswatini on a state visit, having arrived in the country on the same day.
Flight Challenges and Diplomatic Tensions
He made these remarks while delivering his speech after greeting King Mswati III. The President spoke following earlier reports, in the week leading up to the 40/58 double celebration of His Majesty, that he would no longer be able to attend the event.
This was because countries such as Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius had revoked flight clearances for his private aircraft without providing reasons. The revocations were allegedly influenced by People’s Republic of China, reportedly using economic coercion.
As a result, he had initially sent a Special Envoy, in the form of his country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to represent him at the celebrations.
Call for Global Inclusion
The President said Taiwan has 23 million people who want to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Therefore, he sees no reason why any country would deny them that opportunity.
He thanked His Majesty King Mswati III and the entire Eswatini nation for standing by Taiwan for the past 58 years since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established.
President Lai also expressed gratitude to Eswatini for consistently supporting Taiwan in international platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly and other global meetings.
Focus on Development Projects
He said that during his visit, he would like to tour major capital projects that Eswatini has been undertaking, especially those to which Taiwan has contributed.
These include the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre and the Strategic Oil Reserve facility, among others. He noted that such projects continue to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
The President also thanked the King for extending an invitation for a state visit and, in turn, extended an invitation to His Majesty to visit Taiwan.
King Reaffirms Support
His Majesty King Mswati III, who spoke earlier, assured the President that Eswatini would always support Taiwan in its quest to have a voice in international affairs. He further stated that the Kingdom would continue to support Taiwan in its aspirations.
The King said Taiwan has assisted Eswatini in many ways, and those contributions would not go unnoticed. He encouraged the President to feel at home, emphasising that Eswatini is indeed his home.
He also expressed hope that, despite the visit being official, President Lai would get a sense of the atmosphere of the recent double celebrations, which took place just a week ago.
Warm Welcome and Ceremony
Even though the reception of the President was brief, it was far from ordinary. After arriving in the country at around midday, the President proceeded to Mandvulo Grand Hall at approximately 4pm.
He found His Majesty the King waiting to welcome him warmly. President Lai arrived with a delegation from Taiwan, including Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang.
Upon his arrival, the two leaders proceeded to the royal box to participate in the singing of the national anthems of both countries. The anthems were performed by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force Guard of Honour.
The ceremony was marked by powerful gun salutes, producing thick smoke around the entrance facing the UNESWA direction, where the President had been received.
Inspection and Official Greetings
After the national anthems, the two leaders inspected the Guard of Honour before returning to the royal box for another rendition of the anthems, this time without gun salutes.
They were then given an opportunity to greet officials from both countries. His Majesty King Mswati III first greeted officials from Taiwan, followed by President Lai, who greeted Eswatini’s Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
Among those he greeted were Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
Emazinyane, including Prince Lindani and Majaha, also greeted the President before he proceeded to Minister Prince Simelane, who knelt while shaking hands with him in a gesture of respect and excitement.
The President continued to greet other officials, including Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile and Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, among others.
Cultural Displays and Closing Proceedings
At the same time, regiments such as Lutsango, Imbali, Ingaja and Lacwebetelako performed traditional songs and dances, offering the visiting President a glimpse into Emaswati cultural heritage.
The King was seen explaining the significance of these cultural displays to the President.
The two leaders later proceeded into the hall, where speeches were delivered. Proceedings were directed by King’s Office Chief Officer Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, who also oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.
