By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Senator Pholile Shakantu, met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between Eswatini and the Russian Federation.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, where representatives from African and Russian governments gathered to explore expanded collaboration.
During their productive dialogue, Minister Shakantu and Minister Lavrov highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship, initiated on November 19, 1999.
This quarter-century of cooperation has enhanced meaningful engagements across diverse fields, highlighting the nation’s mutual dedication to growth and prosperity.
Reflecting on past achievements, the ministers expressed their commitment to advancing collaboration in critical sectors, including education, science, technology, and agriculture fields seen as vital for achieving shared development goals.
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Minister Shakantu remarked that Eswatini values its relationship with Russia, noting that cooperation in these key areas will drive mutual benefit and growth.
Lavrov echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Eswatini as an important partner in Russia’s expanding African engagement.
Moreover, the Kingdom of Eswatini looks to further strengthen ties with Russia, aiming for enhanced collaboration that will serve both countries’ interests while addressing broader global challenges.
Accompanying Minister Shakantu at the forum is Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko.
The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held in the Russian city of Sochi, is part of Russia’s diplomatic strategy to deepen partnerships with African nations.
Russia’s renewed focus on Africa comes amid ongoing Western sanctions, as it seeks to reinforce alliances across the continent.
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The conference builds on last summer’s Russia-Africa summit, where President Vladimir Putin extended proposals to strengthen political and business ties with African leaders.
The event has also been seen as a showcase of “multipolarity,” as Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted.
According to RIA Novosti, Zakharova emphasized the forum as a response to “dirty hopes” of Russia’s isolation,
pointing to the significant diplomatic engagements happening at the conference as evidence of Russia’s enduring connections worldwide.
