By Ncaba Ntshakala
MBABANE – HIS Majesty King Mswati III has emphasized the Kingdom of Eswatini’s deep appreciation for its enduring relationship with European countries.
The King was speaking to Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the European Union (EU), who presented their letters of credence. The King highlighted the significant contributions of the EU to Eswatini’s development and the strong bonds formed over many years.
“We are very pleased that the EU has contributed very significantly in terms of development in the country,” His Majesty stated.
“The ambassador from the Kingdom of Belgium, the chair of the EU, has just outlined that there are so many things that we’ve done together. We are very grateful for that.”
The King expressed his gratitude for the warm greetings conveyed by the ambassadors and high commissioners from various EU member states, representing kingdoms and republics alike. He acknowledged the importance of these diplomatic engagements in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
“First of all, I would like to say that I am very grateful to all of you for bringing the warm greetings from their majesties as well as from their excellencies that you represent here. And I am very much delighted to welcome you, all seven Member States of the EU, the European Union, coming here representing different countries,” the King said.
His Majesty also expressed the significance of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) agreement with the EU, which aims to promote development and cooperation among member states.
“The ACP agreement between the ACP and Europe, which has just been launched and signed, is a welcoming step in the right direction. The EU wishes to continue to contribute more to the development of all the members of Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.”
His Majesty King Mswati III reflected on the progress made in Eswatini, where he highlighted the tangible improvements in the countryside, with emaSwati experiencing economic and social growth. He noted the EU’s role in sharing valuable experiences and best practices, which Eswatini and other African nations are eager to emulate.
“We are happy that all EU members are sharing their experiences. The EU has done so well, and we in Africa are still in the process of emulating what the EU has done. We have created the African Union, which we hope will help all African countries develop.”
His Majesty praised the EU’s achievements in social welfare, education, and high-tech industries, expressing hope that these experiences would benefit Eswatini.
“We can learn from how you have done it in Europe. The level of development has grown very much. The social welfare, the education, the high-tech industry, and so many other things have really grown a lot.”
The King also highlighted the importance of tourism and investment from Europe, which contribute significantly to Eswatini’s economy. He called on EU members to encourage more investors to explore opportunities in the Kingdom and across Africa.
“As friendly countries, we should all work for the resolution of having all countries of the world living in peace with one another. We are aware that within the European Union, there are conflicts. In the Middle East, there are conflicts. In Africa, there are conflicts. All we hope and wish is that in all these conflicts, if there can be a very much peaceful resolution, that can be found so that once again all around the world we could all live in peace and harmony with one another.”
Addressing global challenges such as climate change, His Majesty stressed the importance of peaceful resolutions and international cooperation.
“If we are trying to look at how we address the issues of climate change, it’s very important that peaceful resolutions remain in all member states of the world.”
In closing, the King warmly welcomed the EU representatives and assured them of Eswatini’s support. He encouraged them to immerse themselves in the Kingdom’s culture and traditions, strengthening a deeper understanding and stronger ties between Eswatini and the EU.
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“I am very grateful to welcome you into the Kingdom as EU members. Now that you have presented your letters of credence, I trust you will avail yourself a lot to the Kingdom so that you can learn and get more information. We can share a lot of ideas together because that’s what life is all about. It’s all about sharing ideas in different aspects.”
The King extended his personal greetings to the majesties and excellencies represented by the ambassadors and high commissioners, expressing hopes for continued prosperity between Eswatini, Africa, and Europe.
“I want to give each and every one of you here representing the EU members that the Kingdom of Eswatini will give you all the necessary support that you need whilst you carry out the duties of your different countries here in the Kingdom. Please convey my personal greetings to their Majesties and to their Excellencies for the continued prosperity between Eswatini, Africa, and Europe. I thank you so much.”
The List of Ambassadors and High Commissioners:
· Kingdom of Belgium: H.E. Mr. Paul Jansen
· Kingdom of Netherlands: H.E. Joanne Doorneward
· Kingdom of Spain: H.E. Ms. Teresa Orjales Vidal
· Republic of Austria: H.E. Ms. Romana Königsbrun
· Hellenic Republic: H.E. Mr. Georgios Aravositas
· Republic of Ireland: H.E. Mr. Patrick Empey
· Republic of Cyprus: H.E. Mr. Antonis Mandritis
