Foreign minister arrives in Eswatini after Lai cancels trip

Taipei, April 25 (CNA) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) arrived in Eswatini on Saturday morning, days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) was forced to cancel his planned trip to southern Africa due to reported interference from China.

Lai had been scheduled to visit Eswatini from Wednesday to Saturday, but the Presidential Office said on the eve of his departure that the trip was suspended after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight permissions, with Seychelles and Madagascar citing adherence to Beijing's "one China" principle.

In a video posted on the Eswatini government's Facebook page earlier Saturday, however, Lin was seen walking on the tarmac after arriving in Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Africa.

"H.E. Lin Chia-lung is in the country for the Ruby Jubilee of His Majesty's reign and 58th birthday celebration," the caption read, adding that he arrived at King Mswati III International Airport.

"[Lin] was warmly welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo," it said.

Shortly after the video was posted, the Presidential Office said in a statement that Lai had appointed Lin as his envoy to Eswatini.

The appointment "shows we highly value the friendship shared by Taiwan and Eswatini" and embodies Taiwan's continuing effort to deepen cooperation with its allies in the spirit of reciprocity, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) was cited as saying.

Lai had been scheduled to depart on Wednesday for what would have been his second overseas trip since taking office in May 2024, but the Presidential Office said the visit was suspended after Beijing pressured the three African nations into withdrawing the overflight permissions.