President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) arrived in Eswatini on Saturday, May 2, Taiwan time, according to a Facebook announcement. He expressed his appreciation for the meticulous arrangements made by his diplomatic and national security teams over the past few days that contributed to his smooth travel. Despite the delay, the people of Eswatini received Lai and his delegation with a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

The President was originally scheduled to depart for Eswatini on April 22, but his trip was postponed due to the arbitrary cancellation of overflight permits by the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar under alleged economic coercion and pressure from China. Subsequently, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) represented Lai as special envoy at the celebrations of King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of accession to the throne, his 58th birthday, and the 58th anniversary of Eswatini's independence.

The President stated that he hopes this trip will further deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini through closer economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational ties, and promote Taiwan's international cooperation. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for advocating for Taiwan's international standing despite various diplomatic pressures.

Lai emphasized that engaging with the international community and joining the forces of good is an inalienable right of the Taiwanese people and a promise Taiwan makes to the world. He said that when faced with challenges, Taiwan will overcome them with determination and effort, and when faced with suppression and injustice, Taiwan will uphold justice and respond rationally. The people of Taiwan, who love freedom and peace, do not seek confrontation, but will never give up on engaging with the world.