TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — No country can obstruct Taiwan from contributing to the world, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said on Saturday.

Lai, who arrived in Eswatini for a state visit, said in a speech that Taiwan is a sovereign nation and has the right to engage with the world, according to the Presidential Office.

The president postponed a planned trip late last month after China pressured Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar to revoke overflight permits. Lai appointed Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) as special envoy to visit in his stead.

Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla met with Lai in Taipei on Thursday.

Lai said this year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. Over the decades, the two countries have deepened cooperation in fields including agriculture, vocational training, and trade, he said.

Taiwan and Eswatini are truly one family, he added.

The president praised King Mswati III of Eswatini for his leadership. The king has overseen Eswatini’s economic takeoff and progress on national infrastructure, as well as provided more comprehensive care for his people, Lai said.

Mswati said his people have worked diligently to strengthen national development. He thanked Taiwan for remaining a true friend and partner to Eswatini and reaffirmed that Eswatini would continue to back Taiwan’s international participation.

The two leaders later witnessed the signing of a joint communique aimed at bolstering cooperation and deepening bilateral trade. They also witnessed the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement to simplify trade procedures and facilitate smoother business operations.