Reciprocity! Shi Wang recalled Lai Qingde’s surprise visit in May and reiterated his support for Taiwan’s international participation

King Enshwati III of the friendly country of Eswatini, who is visiting Taiwan for the 20th time, delivered a speech at the military welcome ceremony hosted by President Lai Ching-te today (9th), reiterating that Swatini will continue to speak out for Taiwan's international participation. He also recalled Lai Ching-te's visit to the country in May this year. Five months ago, President Lai welcomed President Lai with military salutes in Taiwan. Today, President Lai welcomed President Lai with the most solemn military salutes, highlighting the solid friendship between Taiwan and history.

Shi Wang said in a speech at the Democracy Square of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall today, "Internationally, the Kingdom of Eswatini will continue to advocate Taiwan's meaningful participation in various activities and systems of the United Nations and its inclusion in relevant multilateral organizations to benefit all mankind."

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out earlier that when Shi Wang spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in September, he also called on countries to find appropriate ways to promote Taiwan's substantive participation in various United Nations meetings and activities. When Lai Qingde visited Shi in May, he thanked Shi Wang for calling on countries to correctly understand UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 at the UN General Assembly last year.

King Shi also said that he still fondly remembers the warm welcome given by King Lai Qing when he visited Eswatini in May this year. At that time, King Shi was celebrating the dual milestones of his 40th anniversary as king and the 58th anniversary of his independence. He said that he was very happy to stand side by side with Lai Qingde again and jointly promised to continue this friendship and was full of confidence in the future of the partnership between the two countries.

King Shi also paid tribute to the officers and soldiers of the countries present, affirming their responsibilities and the support of their families; he said that the highest purpose of this dedication is to protect an environment that allows people to live peacefully, pursue their ideals, and create a better future for the next generation. He emphasized that Eswatini has always been committed to peace, dialogue, and resolving differences through peaceful means, and hopes to see stability maintained, mutual understanding deepened, cooperation continued to advance, and the well-being of all people enhanced.

Recall that President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to visit the country on April 22 to attend the celebration of the 40th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne and the 58th birthday celebration. However, under pressure from China, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar temporarily canceled the permission for the presidential plane to fly. The trip was postponed. Instead, Foreign Minister Lin Jialong went to the country to congratulate the king as the presidential envoy. King Shi immediately appointed Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla as a special envoy to Taiwan to convey the King's emphasis that no matter how powerful external forces are, Taiwan's history cannot be cut off as a family.

Lai Qingde arrived in Shiguo on May 2 on King Shi’s special plane, successfully breaking through and completing his state visit. Shi Wang "re-done" the original ceremonies and celebrations, receiving them with the highest standards such as military salutes, traditional welcome dances and state banquets. The two sides also signed a joint communiqué and the "Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement", writing a resilient page for Taiwan's diplomacy. Lai Qingde emphasized in his speech at that time that no country has the right and should not prevent Taiwan from making contributions to the world, and invited Shi Wang to visit Taiwan again.