HIS MAJESTY’s VISIT TO TAIWAN FOR PRESIDENT LAI’s INAUGURATION

His Majesty King Mswati III arrived in Taiwan on the 18^th May, and was welcomed by then president-elect, William Lai Ching-te. He attended the inauguration ceremony on Monday May 20^th, with Inkhosikati LaFogiyane and the Royal Family.

The Trip proved to be more than an honour to an ally, but also a doorway to opportunities for EmaSwati, as His Majesty’s steered to have the renowned Hua Nan Bank of Taiwan build a financial institution in Eswatini. The bank’s Director and President, Robert Li, was excited to work with Eswatini’s Central Bank, and this feeling was reciprocated by Eswatini Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi, who was also present during the meeting. The two countries’ central banks then signed an MOU for cooperation, which is expected to drive price and economic development.

The talks between His Majesty the King and President Lai and delegates led to an agreement to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan), for a business digitalization project in Eswatini. President Lai expressed that Eswatini is a good ally to Taiwan as the nation represents peace, which is something that he wants to achieve most during his presidency. His sentiment towards Eswatini was matched by His Majesty, who assured the new President by saying “with Eswatini you have a true friend on the African continent.”

His Majesty also expressed how the digitalization project will open many doors for the youth of Eswatini. In an urgent spirit to build more opportunities for the youth of Eswatini, His Majesty also met and encouraged Swazi students studying in Taiwan to bring their first-world training back to Eswatini. He called for a Graduates CV database to be developed by the Eswatini Embassy in Taiwan, to open more doors for opportunities for those studying in Taiwan and abroad.

His Majesty returned to the kingdom on Thursday, May 23^rd.