MBABANE:Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has expressed gratitude to Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla following the conclusion of his state visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, describing the trip as successful and marked by strengthened bilateral cooperation.
Speaking on Tuesday morning after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan, President Lai said the visit, which took place from May 2 to May 5, covered more than 25,000 kilometres over 84 hours. He said the trip reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini and yielded tangible outcomes in several sectors.
The president specifically thanked Deputy Prime Minister Dladla, who accompanied him during the visit, for ensuring the smooth execution of the programme.
“Deputy Prime Minister Dladla, your thoughtful and detailed arrangements truly reflect Eswatini’s exceptional hospitality,” Lai said, adding that her role was instrumental in facilitating the delegation’s engagements.
President Lai also extended appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III, the government, and the people of Eswatini for what he described as warm and steadfast support throughout the visit.
According to Lai, the trip provided an opportunity to witness ongoing collaboration between the two countries across multiple sectors. He highlighted cooperation in energy security, industrial investment, agriculture, smart healthcare, women’s empowerment, and cultural and educational exchanges.
He said these areas of cooperation not only demonstrate the depth of relations between Taiwan and Eswatini, but also reflect a shared commitment to promoting security, prosperity, and development.
“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,” he said.
President Lai further stated that the visit underscored Taiwan’s intention to engage with the international community and contribute to global affairs.
He said Taiwan would continue to participate internationally and collaborate with what he termed “like-minded nations” to uphold a rules-based international order.
“The Republic of China (Taiwan) abides by rules-based international norms and aims to advance mutual benefits and shared prosperity in the international community,” he said.
Lai also addressed reports that had characterised the visit as a breakthrough amid external pressure, saying such engagements between heads of state are normal diplomatic practice.
“Visits between heads of state are very natural – as natural as visits between friends, and are a basic right of every country,” he said.
He added that the challenges faced during the trip had highlighted Taiwan’s determination to engage with the global community and reinforced the importance of maintaining peace and stability.
President Lai said Taiwan would not be deterred from international participation, emphasising that its people have the right to engage with the 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,” he said.
He reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to contributing to global development through cooperation and mutual assistance.
The president also thanked his national security and foreign affairs teams, as well as government officials who remained in Taiwan during the visit, for ensuring the mission’s success under what he described as careful and rigorous arrangements.
He further acknowledged the support of international partners and allies, saying such cooperation is essential for maintaining global stability.
President Lai concluded by expressing confidence in continued collaboration between Taiwan and its allies, stating that such partnerships are key to building a better future.
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