TAIWAN President Lai Ching-te will be in the country next week to attend the national celebrations marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years on the Throne and his 58th birthday.
The visit was confirmed by Taiwan’s presidential office, with Spokesperson Karen Kuo noting that it follows a warm invitation from the king, who attended President Lai’s inauguration in 2024.
“President Lai will lead a delegation to Eswatini to demonstrate the importance of our diplomatic relations and Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership,” Kuo said.
His visit is scheduled for next Wednesday and is expected to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the country and Taiwan.
The kingdom’s ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation, in a statement, said the visit is historic as it marks the first official trip to Eswatini by President Lai since assuming office.
It coincides with national celebrations that hold deep significance for the people of the kingdom, symbolising unity, culture and leadership.
The ministry emphasised that the timing of the visit underscored the depth of friendship between the two nations, as it would take place during a period of national pride and reflection.
During his stay, President Lai is expected to hold bilateral talks with His Majesty, culminating in the signing of a joint communiqué outlining shared goals and future plans.
He will also tour the planned Taiwan-supported industrial innovation park, a flagship project designed to boost economic growth, create opportunities for local businesses as well as workers, and showcase Taiwan’s ongoing support for development in the kingdom.
Officials have described the visit as a milestone in diplomatic relations, reflecting the enduring friendship built on respect and shared values.
They believe it will open new doors for cooperation, particularly in areas such as innovation, technology transfer and economic development.
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Government has extended a warm welcome to President Lai, expressing confidence that his presence would further strengthen ties between the two countries and reinforce Eswatini’s position as a valued partner in Taiwan’s global strategy.
This will be the second overseas trip by President Lai since taking office, underscoring Eswatini’s importance in Taiwan’s international relations.
The kingdom’s relationship with Taiwan has lasted nearly six decades and continues to deliver tangible benefits in education, health, agriculture and infrastructure.
Over the years, Taiwan has contributed significantly to the kingdom’s development. In agriculture, Taiwan supported the mechanisation department, which coordinated tractor hire services to provide mechanical power to farmers.
The initiative was intended to be managed by government before being handed over to farmers as a sustainable, income-generating business.
Today, the service is under the National Maize Corporation (NMC), reflecting Taiwan’s long-term commitment to strengthening food security and rural livelihoods.
Beyond agriculture, Taiwan has invested in health programmes, educational exchanges and infrastructure projects that have improved the lives of many citizens.
The contributions have reinforced the bond between the two nations and demonstrated the practical impact of their partnership.
