Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has returned from Zambia bearing a message of peace, stability and prosperity from His Majesty King Mswati III to the people of Zambia.
Dladla, who represented the King at the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka,
conveyed His Majesty’s warm wishes after returning to Eswatini, expressing hope that Zambia would continue to record economic growth and that the country’s development efforts would translate into improved livelihoods for its citizens. 
The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu during the official visit, which saw Eswatini join a gathering of regional and continental leaders for Hichilema’s inauguration.
Dladla’s message reflected Eswatini’s goodwill towards Zambia as Hichilema begins his second five-year term after securing more than 60 per cent of the vote.
The occasion brought together several Heads of State and Government, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Botswana President Duma Boko, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Kenyan President William Ruto, among other dignitaries.
Eswatini and Zambia have maintained cordial relations over the years, with cooperation extending across several sectors, including trade, education, health and agriculture.
The two countries also engage through regional initiatives, particularly under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where member states work collectively to advance regional integration, economic development, peace and stability.
