TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Eswatini has invited President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his accession and the 58th birthday of King Mswati III in April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.
The ministry said it had received a letter of invitation from Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, but any response would have to be addressed by the Presidential Office, the Liberty Times reported. While the king’s birthday falls on April 19, this year’s celebrations have been scheduled for April 24.
At last year’s ceremonies, Lai was represented by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Eswatini has been defending Taiwan’s cause at international forums including the annual World Health Assembly and the UN General Assembly.
During his most recent foreign tour, Lai visited the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, and transited through Hawaii and Guam in November 2024.
