The Minister for Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya, has expressed government’s appreciation to the outgoing High Commissioner of India to the Kingdom of Eswatini, H.E. Ram Prasad, for his contribution to bilateral relations during his tenure.
Maziya made the remarks during a farewell courtesy call. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of ICT, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the longstanding cooperation between Eswatini and India and to discuss areas for further collaboration.
The minister extended her sincere gratitude to H.E. Ram Prasad, High Commissioner of India to the Kingdom of Eswatini, for the courtesy and engagement during his farewell call. 
The Ministry said the discussions focused on ongoing areas of partnership between the two countries in support of national development.
“The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on and review the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Eswatini and India, including the many areas where the two countries continue to collaborate in support of national development,” the ministry stated.
Minister Maziya acknowledged the Government of India’s support through various development initiatives, with specific mention of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
The minister also expressed her appreciation for the valuable contribution of the Government of India, particularly through initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which continues to provide opportunities for skills development, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The ITEC Programme offers fully-funded short and long-term training to civil servants and professionals from partner countries.
The Ministry of ICT said the programme has benefited several emaSwati who have undertaken training in ICT, public administration and other technical fields in India.
The Ministry said it is committed to building on existing cooperation with India, particularly in the ICT sector.
Government priorities under the National Digital Transformation Strategy include expanding broadband access, improving e-government services, strengthening cyber security, and supporting innovation.
The Ministry indicated that continued partnership with India will be important in advancing these objectives.
The minister conveyed the government’s best wishes to Prasad as he concluded his diplomatic assignment in Eswatini.
“We wish for H.E. Ram Prasad every success in his future endeavours and convey our sincere appreciation for his contribution to strengthening the warm relations between our two countries,” Minister Maziya said.
Prasad has served as High Commissioner of India to Eswatini during a period that saw continued engagement on technical cooperation, training and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Eswatini and India established diplomatic relations in 1995. Cooperation between the two countries has included development assistance, lines of credit, grant aid, and capacity building through programmes such as ITEC.
