On October 10, 2026, Taiwan celebrated its 115th National Day, with the Kingdom of Eswatini playing a significant role in the event. King Mswati III led a senior Eswatini delegation to the Republic of China National Day event in Taipei, which included Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu, Minister Manqoba Khumalo, and Eswatini's Ambassador to Taiwan, Vulindlela Kunene. The King's presence highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan, which has endured for 58 years.
The Eswatini delegation was welcomed by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who used his National Day address to recognize the kingdom's support and welcome the King's presence. President Lai thanked King Mswati III for the warm welcome he received during his state visit to Eswatini earlier in the year. He also expressed appreciation to the Indlovukazi and the people of Eswatini, noting the depth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, women's empowerment, education, and culture.
The National Day celebrations in Taipei were marked by a grand ceremony, which included a military parade, cultural performances, and aerial displays. The event was attended by over 140 foreign guests, who offered congratulations to President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. The ceremony featured a giant national flag suspended beneath a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, which flew over the venue while the national anthem was performed by local choirs.
In his National Day speech, President Lai outlined Taiwan's economic outlook, noting a growth rate of 14.15 percent in the first half of the year, with a projected full-year rate exceeding 11 percent. He also reiterated Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its self-defence capabilities to deter conflict. The President's address was covered extensively by Taiwanese media, including Focus Taiwan and the Taipei Times.
During his visit to Taiwan, King Mswati III also hosted a dinner, where he invited Taiwanese investors to explore opportunities in Eswatini. The King emphasized the kingdom's potential for growth and development, particularly in areas such as business investment and industrial development. Eswatini has been a strong supporter of Taiwan's participation in international forums and has pledged to deepen bilateral friendship.
The relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan has been strengthened by regular exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Recent engagements have covered law enforcement, business investment, and industrial development, including Eswatini's support for a proposed Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. The park aims to attract Taiwanese companies and serve as a gateway to African markets.
The visit by King Mswati III to Taiwan marked his 20th trip to the island nation, reflecting the personal and official depth of the relationship between the two countries. The King's presence at the National Day celebrations was seen as a significant gesture of solidarity and friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
Key points
- Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained diplomatic ties for 58 years, with Eswatini being Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa.
- King Mswati III led a senior Eswatini delegation to Taiwan's National Day event, which included several ministers and the Eswatini Ambassador to Taiwan.
- The visit highlighted opportunities for increased Taiwanese investment in Eswatini, particularly in areas such as business investment and industrial development.
