Taiwan president hails King as visionary

Ezulwini – Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te described His Majesty King Mswati III as a visionary, courageous and kind leader whose development-driven approach continues to transform Eswatini’s economic landscape, speaking on May 3, 2026, following a tour of the Ezulwini Palazzo, the country’s International Convention Centre.

President Lai expressed gratitude to His Majesty, Her Majesty Indlovukazi and the Government of Eswatini for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the state visit.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty Indlovukazi and the Government of Eswatini for warmly welcoming us to this beautiful country,” he said.

His Majesty King Mswati III and President Lai Ching-te, flanked by their respective delegations, tour the ICC Ezulwini Palazzo guided by Inyatsi Group Chairperson Michelo Shakantu and Prince Mcwasho, May 2026. Photo by Taiwan in Eswatini

The Taiwanese leader said agreements signed with His Majesty upon his arrival would further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries, noting that the long-standing relationship remains firm and unshaken. He also reaffirmed Taiwan’s continued support for Eswatini.

Earlier in the day, President Lai paid a courtesy call on Her Majesty Indlovukazi at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where the two exchanged gifts and pleasantries. Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu and Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung were also present.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te pays a courtesy call on Her Majesty the Indlovukazi at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, with gifts exchanged in a warm meeting between the two sides, May 2026. — Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pays a courtesy call on Her Majesty the Indlovukazi at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, with gifts exchanged in a warm meeting between the two sides, May 2026.

President Lai and His Majesty King Mswati III later arrived together at the Ezulwini Palazzo for a guided tour of the facility, led by Inyatsi Group Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu and HRH Prince Mcwasho, who walked the leaders and their delegations through the centre’s design and unique features.

President Lai Ching-te receives a briefing on the Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park and the Strategic Oil Reserve initiative during his visit to the Royal Science and Technology Park in Nokwane, May 2026.

During the tour, His Majesty paused at one of the portraits on display in the exhibition hall. “This is me when I was 17 and in Britain,” he remarked.

The evening concluded with thousands of emaSwati filling the Palazzo for a theatre night with Their Majesties. The programme opened with a documentary on the life of His Majesty, from childhood to the present day, including a look at the vision behind the ICC and how it came to life. Guests were also treated to a theatre play portraying His Majesty’s life, turning the evening into a blend of film, stage and storytelling.