By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MBABANE – The Republic of China (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te has safely returned home following a high-level state visit to Eswatini, in a trip that strengthened bilateral ties between the two nations.
President Lai arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after completing an 84-hour, 25000-kilometre round-trip diplomatic mission.
“We are back. After 84 hours and a 25 000-kilometre round trip, we have completed this diplomatic mission to visit our ally Eswatini,” he said upon arrival.
In a notable show of growing cooperation, Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla accompanied the delegation to Taiwan and was present alongside President Lai upon arrival. The Taiwanese leader expressed gratitude for her role in ensuring the smooth travel of the delegation over tens of thousands of kilometres.
The President said the visit highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to global engagement despite external pressure, describing interactions between nations as a basic right.
“The people of Taiwan have the right to engage with the world. We will not back down. On the contrary, the peace- and freedom-loving people of Taiwan will continue to uphold justice and reason with a steady and responsible approach,” he said.
He said visits between heads of state are a basic right, likening them to visiting a friend, while maintaining Taiwan’s commitment to global engagement.
The visit drew international attention after initial travel plans were disrupted when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar denied overflight permissions, a move Taipei attributed to pressure from China.
Forced to adapt, President Lai took a longer, alternative route over the southern Indian Ocean, passing near Christmas Island before heading north through parts of Southeast Asia to reach Taiwan.
During his stay in Eswatini, Lai held bilateral talks with King Mswati III, exploring expanded cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, education, and technology.
He also paid a courtesy call on Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and toured key development projects supported by Taiwan, including the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre.
On Monday, Lai was seen off from Eswatini by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu, senior government officials, and members of the Taiwanese community.
The visit once again cemented Eswatini’s position as Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, highlighting continued cooperation and shared progress between the two countries.
(Featured Image: www.thestandard.com)
