TAIPEI – His Majesty King Mswati III has expressed deep gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for positively transforming the daily lives of Emaswati across the country.
Speaking during a state banquet hosted in his honour by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, the king said the true measure of the long-standing bilateral relationship was evident in ordinary households.
His Majesty noted that the partnership yielded tangible fruits, touching various sectors including education, agriculture, health and rural electrification.
“The true value of our relationship can be seen in the lives the country has touched,” the king said.
His Majesty highlighted that these benefits were visible in young people returning home equipped with knowledge to serve the country, farmers gaining new techniques, patients receiving healthcare and rural families receiving electricity connections.
These shared experiences, the king said, have embedded the friendship between the two nations into the daily lives of their people, fostering enduring bonds between Emaswati and Taiwanese professionals, technical experts, medical personnel and volunteers working side by side.
His Majesty commended President Lai on Taiwan’s impressive economic growth, technological advancement and global leadership in sectors such as semi-conductors, smart agriculture and public health.
He said Taiwan’s national journey demonstrated what determination, innovation and education could achieve.
Recalling a previous visit during President Lai’s inauguration, the king shared a light-hearted moment about a joint shrimp fishing expedition, noting with a smile that he had emerged as the champion of the contest.
His Majesty reaffirmed the kingdom’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international platforms, emphasising that nations must retain the sovereign freedom to choose their friends.
He also advocated for peaceful dialogue in resolving global differences, stating that families everywhere deserved safety, stability and a promising future.
As Taiwan prepares to celebrate its National Day today, His Majesty extended heartfelt wishes for the continued peace, health and prosperity of the Taiwanese people, before leading guests in a toast to President Lai and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Eswatini to continue advocating for Taiwan’s global participation – King
TAIPEI – His Majesty King Mswati III has reassured Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te that the Kingdom of Eswatini will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities and structures of the United Nations (UN) and other global platforms.
The king made this commitment while delivering his speech during the military welcome ceremony held here ahead of Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebrations.
His Majesty King Mswati III was accompanied by Liphovela LaZuma and a delegation that included newly appointed Ambassador to Taiwan Vulindlela Kunene and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu. He was given a full military salute and inspected the guard alongside President Lai.
At the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, His Majesty made a plea, saying that Taiwan played a vital role in global supply chains. He said it has much to contribute to the international community and can play a highly meaningful role in building a sustainable future for humanity. He urged the United Nations to seek appropriate ways to facilitate Taiwan’s substantive participation in UN meetings and activities, enabling it to share its expertise and actively engage with international partners.
“On the international front, the Kingdom of Eswatini shall 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 organisations, for the benefit of humankind,” the king said.
He said Eswatini remained committed to peace, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences.
“We wish to see stability preserved, mutual understanding strengthened and cooperation advanced for the wellbeing of all,” he said.
The king said the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1968, just as the country was taking its first steps as an independent nation.
“The friendship forged then has accompanied our development for 58 years. Across changing circumstances and successive generations, our two nations have continued to place their trust in one another. We honour those who laid these foundations and all who have strengthened them through dedicated service,” he said.
His Majesty said the legacy places responsibility upon them to ensure that the next generation inherits a partnership even stronger than the one being enjoyed today.
“It is a pleasure to stand beside you again, united by our commitment to carry this friendship forward. We approach this visit with confidence in the future of our partnership and determination to ensure that it continues to bring lasting benefits to our peoples,” he said.
The king conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan.
He said he was looking forward to sharing in the pride, hope and aspirations of today’s National Day celebrations.
“May the people of Taiwan continue to enjoy peace, wellbeing and prosperity. Thank you once again for the honour bestowed upon us and for the warmth of your welcome. May the friendship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan continue to grow from strength to strength,” said His Majesty the King.
Eswatini, Taiwan sign mutual legal assistance agreement
The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have signed a cooperative agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prince Simelane and his Taiwanese counterpart Minister Cheng Ming-chien signed the agreement, which was witnessed by His Majesty the King and Taiwan President Lai Ching-Te at the presidential residence here in Taipei.
his Taiwanese counterpart Minister Cheng Ming-chien.
The agreement creates a comprehensive legal framework that will enable the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) to cooperate more effectively in criminal justice matters, particularly in evidence gathering, witness cooperation, information sharing, asset recovery and cross-border law enforcement support.
Its overall objective is to improve the investigation and prosecution of crimes that have international elements while respecting each country’s sovereignty and legal systems.
Accompanying the minister to Taiwan were senior justice officials including acting Director of Public Prosecutions Lomvula Hlophe, acting Anti-Corruption Commissioner Maphevu Mkhatshwa and Legal Advisor John Mavuso.
President Lai appreciates Eswatini support
Taiwan President Lai Ching-Te appreciated the support his country continues to receive from His Majesty the King and the government.
He said the two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations for 58 years and their relationship remained strong.
President Lai expressed appreciation for the continued support Taiwan receives from His Majesty and stated that they wished to see the relationship grow stronger.
He said Taiwan and Eswatini have cooperated in many fields and they would continue doing their best to strengthen the relationship.
The president said they were happy to host the king during the 115th National Day celebrations.
Following the military salute, President Lai and His Majesty King III proceeded to a luncheon prepared in the king’s honour.
