By Ncaba Ntshakala
Halala!
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has extended heartfelt congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his victory as the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III,
Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the people of Eswatini, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the UK’s continued prosperity and progress under Sir Keir’s leadership.
“On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Eswatini,
I wish to congratulate H.E Sir Keir Starmer on his landslide victory as the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” Dlamini stated. He added,
“The Kingdom of Eswatini is confident that as you embark on your new term in office, the United Kingdom will continue to prosper and make significant strides to maintain peace and stability,
and that you will steer the nation to even greater heights.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the enduring relationship between Eswatini and the United Kingdom,
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highlighting the expectation that the cordial relations between the two nations will grow stronger and more beneficial for their citizens.
“In joining the United Kingdom on this joyous occasion, we express our firm belief that the cordial relations between our Nations will grow and be strengthened for the benefit of our Peoples,” he concluded.
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer, 62, has had a distinguished career in British politics and law. Serving as Prime Minister since 2024,
Starmer previously held the roles of Leader of the Opposition from 2020 to 2024 and Leader of the Labour Party since 2020.
His political journey began as a Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015, and he served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.
Known for his progressive and socialist ideologies, Starmer has been a prominent advocate for various causes throughout his career.
Starmer’s rise in British politics saw him support the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign during the 2016 European Union membership referendum and later serve as Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union under Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet.
Following Corbyn’s resignation after Labour’s defeat in the 2019 general election, Starmer emerged victorious in the 2020 leadership election with a left-wing platform.
His leadership saw the Labour Party shift towards the political centre, focusing on eliminating antisemitism within the party and leading Labour to victories in the local elections of 2023 and 2024.
Starmer’s government has set forth five key missions targeting economic growth, health, clean energy, crime, and education.
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Eswatini and the United Kingdom have maintained diplomatic relations since September 6, 1968. The bilateral relationship is marked by mutual cooperation and historical ties.
Eswatini operates a High Commission in London, which facilitates diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges,
while the United Kingdom maintains a High Commission in Mbabane, strengthening strong connections in areas such as education, development aid, and trade.
This enduring partnership continues to strengthen through various collaborative efforts and mutual interests, promoting stability and growth in both nations.
