Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Flat selection for Sale of Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2025 to commence from October 21
Flat selection for HOS 2025 to commence soon enhancing the housing ladder
Nearly 7 000 flats in five projects with diverse locations and flat types
Flats for sale under HOS 2025 include about 7 000 flats in five new HOS developments located in Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan and Tung Chung respectively, with saleable areas ranging from about 26.1 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 281 square feet to about 560 sq ft) (see Annex 1). In addition, about 400 resale HOS flats will be offered for sale under HOS 2025.
Affordable pricing to facilitate home ownership
The HA continues to determine the selling price of HOS flats at an affordable level, helping members of the public to step onto the housing ladder and realise the dream of homeownership. Based on the principle of setting selling prices at an affordable level, the discount rate for HOS 2025 was set at 30 per cent from the assessed market level (i.e. for sale at 70 per cent of the assessed market values).
The selling prices of the flats in the new HOS developments under HOS 2025 range from about $1.5 million to about $4.8 million. Assuming a flat selling price of $2.8 million (saleable area around 36.2 sq m or 390 sq ft) with a 90 per cent of the flat price for a mortgage repayment period of 30 years at a prevailing mortgage interest rate of about 3.5 per cent, the monthly mortgage payment is about $11,300.
Priority flat selection for families with newborns or elderly and extra support for single applicants
The order of priority for flat selection by eligible applicants will be determined by the application category, quota allocation and ballot results. Affected tenants of the HA’s announced PRH clearance projects (i.e. Wah On House, Wah Lok House, Wah Cheong House, Wah Tai House and Wah Kin House of Wah Fu Estate; Pik Hoi House, Kam Pik House and Tan Fung House of Choi Hung Estate; Geranium House and Narcissus House of Ma Tau Wai Estate and Sai Wan Estate) who would like to purchase an SSF in lieu of PRH will be accorded priority in flat selection over other applicants under HOS 2025.
The HA has set a quota of 2 800 new HOS flats (i.e. about 40 per cent of the number of new flats for sale) under HOS 2025 for eligible family applicants applying under the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members and Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme for priority flat selection. Separately, to provide one-person applicants with a reasonable opportunity to purchase flats, the HA has set a quota of 700 new HOS flats under HOS 2025 for one-person applicants (i.e. about 10 per cent of the number of new flats for sale). The HOS 2025 priority sequence of different application categories is set out in Annex 2.
Diversified information and exhibitions for easy understanding of the developments
“Sales brochures and price lists for the HOS developments will be made available for public collection at the HACSC in Lok Fu and for viewing on the HA/Housing Department’s designated website (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/hos/2025/en
Project models of the new developments (see Annex 3) and doll houses of HOS typical flats, virtual videos of samples of HOS flats, virtual reality tours of the interiors of samples of HOS flats, exhibition panels/electronic panels and other information on HOS developments will be available for public viewing at the HACSC in Lok Fu and on the designated website.
Applicants may call the 24-hour HA Sales Hotline at 2712 8000 for enquiries.
Issued at HKT 15:00
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Auctions for Chinese New Year fair stalls in New Territories to start next Tuesday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 13) reminded interested parties to join auctions that will start next Tuesday (October 20) for stalls at the 2027 Chinese New Year (CNY) fairs in the New Territories.
The eight fairs, with a total of 539 wet goods stalls, 232 dry goods stalls and eight fast food stalls, will be held at Sha Tsui Road Playground in Tsuen Wan, Plover Cove Road Mini-soccer Pitch in Tai Po, Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground in Yuen Long, Tin Hau Temple Plaza in Tuen Mun, Po Hong Park in Tseung Kwan O, Shek Wu Hui Playground in North District, Kwai Chung Sports Ground in Kwai Tsing and Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin.————————————————
Auction date: October 20 (Tuesday)
Number of stalls: 126
AM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 1 to 64)
PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 65 to 96) and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $1,770
Dry goods (regular size): $8,480
Dry goods (large size): $12,720
Plover Cove Road Mini-soccer Pitch (Tai Po)
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Auction date: October 21 (Wednesday)
Number of stalls: 75
Stall types: Fast food, wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Fast food: $5,480
Wet goods: $2,270
Dry goods (regular size): $1,450
Dry goods (large size): $2,180
Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long)
————————————————————
Auction date: October 22 (Thursday)
Number of stalls: 158
AM session: Fast food and wet goods (Stall Nos. 57 to 72 and 77 to 136)
PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 137 to 156) and dry goods
Opening prices:
Fast food: $5,480
Wet goods: $700
Dry goods (regular size): $1,350
Dry goods (large size): $2,030
Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun)
——————————————
Auction date: October 23 (Friday)
Number of stalls: 62
Stall types: Fast food, wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Fast food: $2,740
Wet goods: $1,490
Dry goods: $2,140
Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O)
—————————————
Auction date: October 26 (Monday)
Number of stalls: 93
Stall types: Fast food, wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Fast food: $4,570
Wet goods: $830
Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
Dry goods (large size): $2,310
Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District)
————————————————–
Auction date: October 27 (Tuesday)
Number of stalls: 92
Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $710
Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
Dry goods (large size): $2,310
Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing)
————————————————–
Auction date: October 28 (Wednesday)
Number of stalls: 98
Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $490
Dry goods (regular size): $2,250
Dry goods (large size): $3,380
Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin)
————————————–
Auction date: October 29 (Thursday)
Number of stalls: 75
Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $3,580
Dry goods (regular size): $4,570
Dry goods (large size): $6,860
Sports centres to show Para Games
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today announced it will set up dedicated live-screening sites at designated sports centres across Hong Kong’s 18 districts to broadcast the 5th Asian Para Games.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the venues to support and cheer for the competing athletes.
The 5th Asian Para Games will take place from October 18 to 24. On the opening day (October 18), the focal sites will open from 5pm to 8pm, and will then operate daily from 10am to 6pm until the end of the tournament. Click here for further details.
To help raise public awareness and understanding of para sports, a series of videos has been launched on a dedicated website. The videos feature athletes and coaches explaining specific sports and demonstrating key skills.
RTHK rallies public support for para athletes ahead of Asian Para Games
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) today (October 12) held the RTHK Broadcast Asia Para Games 2026 com cheering event to announce its broadcast arrangements for the Games and to show support for the athletes who will soon be competing.
With the support of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), RTHK will provide live coverage of the Games on RTHK TV31, promoting social inclusion and enabling the public to cheer on athletes from both the national team and the Hong Kong team, while witnessing their determination and outstanding performances on the international stage. The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan; the President of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC), Mrs Jenny Fung; the Vice President of HKPC and the Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 5th Asian Para Games, Dr Jim Luk; and the Chairperson of the RTHK Board of Advisors, Ms Melissa Pang, were joined by the two athletes who will compete in the upcoming Asian Para Games: Leung Yuk-wing, the world’s top-ranked athlete in the Boccia Men’s Individual BC4 category, and para table tennis athlete Wong Yue-ching, to officiate at the event.
The officiating guests, together with So Wa-wai, former Hong Kong Paralympic athletics gold medalist; Lydia Sham, wushu athlete who won Hong Kong’s first gold medal in Women’s Changquan at the 20th Asian Games, and Chan Tik-lun, bronze medalist in Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls, used sign language to convey their best wishes and encouragement to all participating athletes.
Group-stage competitions in several sports will begin ahead of the official opening, starting on October 16. RTHK TV31 will broadcast “Live coverage of 5th Asian Para Games” from 3pm on October 16 and 17, allowing the public to keep abreast of the group-stage competitions closely. Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony will commence at 4.50pm on October 18. From October 19 to October 24, RTHK TV31 will provide live coverage of featured events daily from 10am to 6pm. Simultaneous sign language interpretation will be available throughout the broadcasts, enabling members of public to fully engage with the competitions and cheer on athletes from the national team and the Hong Kong team. The programmes will also be streamed on the “RTHK On The Go” mobile app and the RTHK YouTube channel. In addition, the public will be able to watch the events at the “Asian Games Focal Sites” located in designated sports centres across all 18 districts, as well as at various shopping malls.
RTHK is committed to supporting the development of parasports and promoting social inclusion through its programmes. In recent years, it has provided live coverage of major para sporting events, including the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021, the 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou in 2023, the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in 2025.
FS begins visit to Nanjing
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (October 12) led a delegation of about 30 members to Nanjing to begin his visit. Upon arrival, Mr Chan visited Nanjing University and delivered a keynote speech to more than 200 faculty members and students, introducing new directions for Hong Kong’s economic development and outlining specific areas for co-operation between Hong Kong and Jiangsu, and between Hong Kong and Nanjing.
In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is reducing search and transaction costs, driving enterprises to redesign their operational processes and giving rise to new business models. He noted that the country’s comprehensive manufacturing system and wide range of application scenarios provide ample scope for validating and continuously improving new technologies. Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in finance, innovation and technology (I&T), professional services and international connectivity to complement the strong industrial foundations of Nanjing and Jiangsu, jointly promoting the commercialisation of research outcomes and industrial development.
Mr Chan said that Hong Kong could deepen co-operation with Jiangsu and Nanjing in two areas: supporting enterprises in going global and strengthening industrial collaboration. Hong Kong’s financial and professional services can support enterprises as they plan their expansion into overseas markets, covering financing, intellectual property strategies, product certification, alignment with standards, corporate governance, compliance and risk management, talent and treasury management. Enterprises can also establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong to attract talent and co-ordinate their overseas operations, while collaborating with universities, international research teams and enterprises in the city.
On industrial collaboration, Nanjing’s strengths in the software industry can be combined with Hong Kong’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and international networks to jointly develop industrial software, AI agents for enterprises and robots to meet business needs. The two cities can also pursue joint R&D, clinical validation, patent licensing and international business collaboration in life and health sciences. In addition, they can jointly develop and validate green technologies for urban energy conservation, energy storage management and energy dispatch, and leverage Hong Kong to expand into overseas markets.
He encouraged Nanjing University students to build a solid foundation in their disciplines and develop AI literacy. Through interdisciplinary learning and making good use of research collaboration and talent exchange opportunities between the two cities, they can develop a broad range of capabilities through practical experience, serve as a bridge between Nanjing and Hong Kong, and help bring more of the country’s research outcomes to the world.
The delegation subsequently held a discussion with university representatives and representatives of a number of enterprises founded by Nanjing University alumni. Innovative enterprises from both cities in fields including AI, photonic chips, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and new energy introduced their businesses. Participants explored opportunities for co-operation and ways to connect industry with capital. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s unique institutional advantages under “one country, two systems”, together with its deep pool of capital, comprehensive professional services, extensive international networks and diverse talent pool, enable the city to provide all-round support for Mainland I&T enterprises in accessing international markets and expanding their global operations.
The delegation also visited Nanjing University’s Brain-Computer Interface Institute, where they were briefed by the research team on its research directions and work to commercialise research outcomes. The institute seeks to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies for non-invasive brain-computer interfaces. Its research covers such areas as neuroimaging and neural decoding, exploring applications in the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases and rehabilitation.
In the evening, Mr Chan called on the Secretary of the CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee, Mr Zhou Hongbo, and the Mayor of Nanjing, Mr Li Zhongjun, to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Nanjing in economic affairs and trade, finance and I&T.
217 more nomination forms for Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections received today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CFS finds excessive Bacillus cereus in sample of preserved bean curd
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CFS finds excessive Bacillus cereus in sample of preserved bean curdNet weight: 340.5 grams
Sales period of the affected batch: September 24 to October 9, 2026
Place of origin: China
A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a retailer in Shum Shui Po for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained Bacillus cereus at a level of 140 000 per gram. According to the Microbiological Guidelines for Food, if ready-to-eat food contains Bacillus cereus at a level of more than 100 000 per gram, it is considered unsatisfactory. Members of the public should stop consume the affected batch of product.” Issued at HKT 20:17
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FS visits Nanjing University
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Nanjing with a delegation of about 30 members by delivering a keynote speech at Nanjing University, introducing new directions for Hong Kong’s economic development and outlining specific areas for co-operation among Hong Kong, Jiangsu and Nanjing.
In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is reducing search and transaction costs, driving enterprises to redesign their operational processes and giving rise to new business models.
He noted that the country’s comprehensive manufacturing system and wide range of application scenarios provide ample scope for validating and continuously improving new technologies.
He highlighted that Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in finance, innovation and technology (I&T), professional services and international connectivity to complement the strong industrial foundations of Nanjing and Jiangsu, jointly promoting the commercialisation of research outcomes and industrial development.
Mr Chan said that Hong Kong can deepen co-operation with Jiangsu and Nanjing in two areas: supporting enterprises in going global and strengthening industrial collaboration.
“Hong Kong’s financial and professional services can support enterprises as they plan their expansion into overseas markets, covering financing, intellectual property strategies, product certification, alignment with standards, corporate governance, compliance and risk management, talent and treasury management.
“Enterprises can also establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong to attract talent and co-ordinate their overseas operations, while collaborating with universities, international research teams and enterprises in the city.”
On the industrial collaboration front, Mr Chan said that Nanjing’s strengths in the software industry can be combined with Hong Kong’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and international networks to jointly develop industrial software, AI agents for enterprises and robots to meet business needs.
“The two cities can also pursue joint R&D, clinical validation, patent licensing and international business collaboration in life and health sciences. In addition, they can jointly develop and validate green technologies for urban energy conservation, energy storage management and energy dispatch, and leverage Hong Kong to expand into overseas markets,” he added.
The Financial Secretary encouraged Nanjing University students to build a solid foundation in their disciplines and develop AI literacy. Through interdisciplinary learning and making good use of research collaboration and talent exchange opportunities between the two cities, they can develop a broad range of capabilities through practical experience, serve as a bridge between Nanjing and Hong Kong, and help bring more of the country’s research outcomes to the world.
The delegation held a discussion with university representatives and representatives of a number of enterprises founded by Nanjing University alumni. Innovative enterprises from both cities in fields including AI, photonic chips, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and new energy introduced their businesses.
Participants explored opportunities for co-operation and ways to connect industry with capital.
Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s unique institutional advantages under “one country, two systems”, together with its deep pool of capital, comprehensive professional services, extensive international networks and diverse talent pool, enable the city to provide all-round support for Mainland I&T enterprises in accessing international markets and expanding their global operations.
The delegation also visited Nanjing University’s Brain-Computer Interface Institute. The institute seeks to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies for non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and its research covers the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases and rehabilitation.
In the evening, Mr Chan called on CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee Secretary Zhou Hongbo and Nanjing Mayor Li Zhongjun to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Nanjing in economic affairs and trade, finance and I&T.
Haze Situation Update (12 October 2026)
Source: Government of Singapore
Air Quality Forecast
24-hr PSI Forecast: Unhealthy
Health Advisory
Healthy persons: If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Singapore, 12 October 2026 – Showers fell over parts of Singapore today. As at 7pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 93 – 135 µg/m3, in (Band 2, Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 118 – 155, in the Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2. Moderate to dense smoke plumes continued to be observed from fires in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. Under prevailing southeasterly winds, smoke haze was observed drifting towards Singapore.
3. While some showers are expected over Singapore and parts of the surrounding region, dry conditions are forecast to persist over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. Smoke haze may continue to drift towards Singapore under the prevailing easterly or southeasterly winds. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the Unhealthy range.
Activity Guidelines
4. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
5. For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery. The full extent of the hotspot and smoke haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover.
– End –
President Lai hosts state banquet for King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of Eswatini
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
President Lai hosts state banquet for King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of Eswatini
At noon on October 9, following a welcome ceremony with military honors and bilateral talks, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for His Majesty King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai stated that the genuine, familial bond between Taiwan and Eswatini is the most precious asset two nations can share. He expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen exchanges in such areas as youth, culture, education, climate change, and sustainability, enhancing interactions between their peoples, consolidating bilateral ties, and working together toward a friendship that endures across generations as they build a more sustainable future together.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It is a great pleasure and honor to host this state banquet today to welcome His Majesty King Mswati III, Inkhosikati Make Zuma, and the distinguished guests who have traveled all the way from Eswatini. Although Taiwan and Eswatini are geographically separated by thousands of kilometers, an invisible thread connects our hearts and ties us together in a friendship that feels more like family. A genuine and familial bond such as ours is the most precious asset two nations can share.
For more than half a century, our governments and peoples have maintained close and frequent exchanges. Many people in Taiwan feel a special affinity for Eswatini, and many friends from Eswatini have come to regard Taiwan as a second home. From the selfless dedication of volunteers to meaningful exchanges in culture and education, this spirit of mutual support and trust that transcends borders continues to lay an even firmer foundation for further elevating the friendship between our two countries.
The world is changing rapidly, but Taiwan and Eswatini have never wavered in our staunch belief in peace and the constitutional order. We both cherish this friendship, which has stood the test of time. Looking ahead, we aspire to create even more opportunities for our peoples to work together face to face, whether through the creative energy of our younger generations, exchanges in the humanities and the arts, or joint efforts to address climate change and advance sustainability.
Today’s state banquet is a gathering of family. I want to express the deepest respect and gratitude to His Majesty the King, Inkhosikati Zuma, and all the people who have worked tirelessly over the years to advance our friendship. I wish His Majesty the King and Inkhosikati Zuma good health and success in all endeavors. May the Kingdom of Eswatini continue to flourish and prosper. And may the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini endure for generations to come as we build a more sustainable future together.
King Mswati III then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for the honor of the splendid state banquet. He said he vividly recalled his previous visit to Taiwan for President Lai’s inauguration, during which he took part in a shrimp fishing activity and had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other guests, leaving him with fond and lasting memories. He said it is a particular pleasure to be in Taiwan just before National Day and that tomorrow Eswatini will proudly join in celebrating the achievements of the people of Taiwan. He congratulated Taiwan on the peace, prosperity, growth, and development of recent years, which have made it a global leader in high-tech industries, in public health and smart agriculture, and in the skills and education of its people.
King Mswati III said that the true value of the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan can be seen in the lives it has touched: in the young person who returns home from studying in Taiwan equipped with the knowledge and confidence to serve Eswatini, the farmer who gains new skills, the patient who receives care, and the family whose home is connected to electricity. These experiences, he said, give the friendship a place in the daily lives of both peoples and create lasting bonds between Emaswati and Taiwanese who work, learn, and serve alongside one another. He paid tribute to the medical teams, technical experts, educators, businesspeople, and volunteers who have devoted their talents to the partnership, and recognized the two countries’ diplomatic missions and public institutions for their commitment to keeping cooperation active and responsive, expressing sincere appreciation to them all.
King Mswati III said that Taiwan’s accomplishments demonstrate what a people can achieve through education, enterprise, innovation, and determination, and that its experience offers much from which partners can learn, even as each nation follows a path suited to its own circumstances. Eswatini, he said, is working to widen opportunity, unlock the talents of its young people, and build an economy that offers them a promising future at home. He expressed hope that the two countries will further strengthen investment, industrial development, energy security, and knowledge exchange, so that the benefits of cooperation reach more communities and open more doors for future generations. He added that greater contact between the two peoples will also help renew friendship and deepen mutual understanding.
King Mswati III emphasized that every nation has the right to freely choose its friends and pursue cooperation in accordance with its sovereign aspirations. Eswatini’s friendship with Taiwan is a commitment that Eswatini has cherished and continues to uphold, he said, and it remains supportive of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community. He said he believes the world benefits when knowledge is shared, experience is welcomed, and countries work together to meet common challenges. He also expressed the wish to see peace preserved through dialogue and differences resolved peacefully, noting that the hopes of families everywhere for safety, dignity, and a better future for their children are best served by cooperation and stability. In closing, King Mswati III extended his heartfelt wishes for the continued well-being and prosperity of the people of Taiwan, expressing hope that the friendship between the two countries will continue to grow in strength, and that their shared endeavors will leave a lasting legacy for both peoples.
Also in attendance at the state banquet were Eswatini Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Bheki Khumalo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, and Eswatini Ambassador Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene.