By Ncaba Ntshakala
His Majesty King Mswati III has expressed profound gratitude to the United States of America (USA) for the significant support provided to the Kingdom of Eswatini over the past 19 years.
The King highlighted that the Kingdom has benefitted from over E16 billion (US$870 million) in aid, which has tremendously enhanced Eswatini’s health initiatives.
The King conveyed his appreciation during the 248th Independence Day Celebration of the United States of America, held at the U.S. Embassy in Ezulwini.
The King was represented by Member of Parliament HRH Prince Lindani Dlamini. The King remarked, “We are grateful that in the past 19 years, the Kingdom has benefited more than $870 million (E16 billion), and this has completely enhanced our health initiatives.”
The King’s speech highlighted the various benefits Eswatini has received from U.S. aid programs, particularly the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The King noted, “The Kingdom is a beneficiary of various USA aid programs, particularly the PEPFAR programme, which has contributed immensely to Eswatini’s fight against HIV and related health plans.”
In his remarks, the King also extended a warm welcome to American citizens residing in Eswatini and all attendees of the celebration.
“We are pleased to join the American citizens on the occasion of the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence for the United States of America.
We wish to extend a warm welcome to all the American citizens here today who have made the Kingdom of Eswatini their second home.
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We further welcome everyone present here today for taking time to join us and commemorate this special day as we celebrate with our fellow Americans and those joining us virtually for this anniversary.”
The King’s speech paid tribute to the historical significance of American Independence Day, emphasizing the ideals of freedom and nationhood that the day represents.
He commended the American people for their dedication to building a prosperous nation and encouraged them to continue upholding the ideals of their liberators while sharing their success with the global community.
His Majesty reflected on the longstanding relationship between Eswatini and the United States, where he highlighted the importance of forums such as the America-Africa Summit, which provide a platform for sharing developmental experiences.
He stressed the need for Africa to not be left behind in social and economic development and called for collaborative efforts to combat global challenges such as HIV/AIDS, Covid-19, climate change, and security threats.
The King’s speech also acknowledged the substantial impact of U.S. aid programs on Eswatini’s development.
He lauded the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for providing a lifeline to small businesses in Eswatini, urging local entrepreneurs to produce quality products that meet international standards. “The Kingdom is grateful for the African Growth and Opportunity Act – AGOA.
It has given a lifeline to our small businesses, and we encourage Emaswati to use this opportunity to sell their products in the United States of America, as we promote the proudly made in Eswatini brand.”
The celebration also presented an opportunity to renew and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Eswatini and the United States.
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The King emphasized the importance of nurturing this relationship for the benefit of both nations’ citizens and expressed confidence in the continued support of the American government for the development of the African people.
Addressing global conflicts and the need for peace, the King put emphasis on Eswatini’s support for the United Nations’ efforts to promote stability and security worldwide. He called for peaceful solutions to conflicts and emphasized the importance of dialogue and consensus-building, principles that have sustained Eswatini over the years.
Moreover, the King invited everyone to toast to the health and prosperity of the American President, the government, and the people of the United States, celebrating the warm and cordial relations between the two countries.
“Finally, let me now request everyone to charge their glasses and propose a toast – to the long and healthy life of His Excellency,
the President, for the continued prosperity of the government and the people of the United States of America; and also, for the warm and cordial relations that happily exist between our two countries to grow from strength to strength. The President!”
