Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, has urged all Member States of the Organisation of African,
Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) to rally behind the newly appointed Secretary-General, His Excellency Moussa Saleh-Batraki, in a unified effort to confront global challenges and elevate the organization’s voice on the world stage.
Speaking during the Secretary-General’s courtesy visit at the Royal Villas, Minister Shakantu, who is also the current President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, extended Eswatini’s warm congratulations to Batraki on his appointment and expressed the significance of his inaugural visit to the Kingdom.
She stressed the strategic importance of solidarity within the OACPS, noting that the strength of the organization lies in its unity and collective action.
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“This visit is not only an expression of goodwill but a reaffirmation of Eswatini’s proactive commitment to multilateral cooperation within the OACPS,” said Shakantu.
“We call on all Member States to unite in supporting the Secretary-General’s leadership as we seek to advance the goals of sustainable development, socio-economic transformation, and institutional reform.”
The Minister emphasized that the global landscape demands coordinated and inclusive approaches to policymaking, particularly for developing nations.
Excellency Moussa Saleh-Batraki, the Secretary-General of the Organization of African, Caribbean,
and Pacific States (OACPS).
“The OACPS must speak with one voice in international forums to ensure that the interests of our regions are effectively represented,” she said, emphasizing Eswatini’s readiness to engage constructively in the ongoing reform agenda of the organization.
In response, Secretary-General Batraki expressed his gratitude for the warm Eswatini welcome and acknowledged the leadership role the Kingdom continues to play in the organization.
He expressed his keenness to deepen dialogue with Minister Shakantu, especially on reform strategies that will reposition the OACPS for greater global influence.
“This visit is a stepping stone towards building stronger partnerships and reinforcing the values that underpin our collective mission,” Batraki said.
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“We are stronger together, and it is only through sincere collaboration that we can tackle the socio-economic and environmental challenges facing our Member States.”
Also in attendance was His Excellency Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, Ambassador of Eswatini to Belgium and Chairperson of the OACPS Committee of Ambassadors.
The Secretary-General’s itinerary will include additional engagements with government and institutional representatives, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and fortify the organization’s presence across all member nations.
