Acting Prime Minister meets Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of African Affairs 

By Ntombi Mhlongo

Acting Prime Minister Pholile Shakantu met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, Robert K. Scott to solidify relations and also discuss cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting was held at the Cabinet Offices in Mbabane and among other things, the two discussed areas of cooperation between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America. 

Eswatini and the US have a long-standing relationship in which the former supports Eswatini on many initiatives. The meeting reaffirmed the diplomatic relations that exist and looked at further strengthening ties between the two countries. 

Also present at the meeting were the Charge d’affairs of the United States Embassy in Eswatini, Earl Miller, Deputy Chief of Mission Caitlin Piper and Political Economic Officer John P. Jenks. 

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On the other hand, the Eswatini Government was represented by Secretary to Cabinet Victor Nxumalo, Acting Principal Secretary in the Private and Cabinet Office Nhlanhla Mnisi, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sizwe Ntshangase and other senior officials. 

According to his profile, Scott currently serves as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs covering Peace and Security Affairs and Southern Africa. 

He was previously the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Malawi from 2019-21. He has also served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary covering West Africa and Economic and Regional Affairs. 

Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs.