His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed two new Ambassador Designates to represent Eswatini abroad, in a move Government says is aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s standing on the international stage.
The appointments were announced on Thursday, by Acting Prime Minister, Senator Thulisile Dladla, in a Government press statement.
HRH Prince Baya Chakazane Mmiseni Dlamini has been appointed Ambassador Designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while Ms Zandile Debra Dhlamini has been appointed Ambassador Designate to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Prince Baya moves from his previous role as Deputy Director of Royal Protocol in the King’s Office. It is a posting that placed him close to the centre of royal and State engagements, and one Government believes has prepared him for the diplomatic task ahead.
In Riyadh, he will be expected to deepen relations between the two Kingdoms. His brief includes promoting trade and investment and exploring cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure development and tourism.
Government says the appointment should further strengthen the longstanding relations between Eswatini and Saudi Arabia, two monarchies that have over the years maintained cordial ties.
Ms Dhlamini, on the other hand, takes up what is arguably one of Eswatini’s most demanding diplomatic postings.
She will serve not only as Ambassador to Ethiopia, but also as Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), both headquartered in Addis Ababa.
Before her appointment, she served as Legal Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In her new role, she will be responsible for advancing bilateral relations between Eswatini and Ethiopia, while representing and safeguarding the Kingdom’s interests within the AU and UNECA.
She will also play a key role in promoting Eswatini’s engagement in continental initiatives dealing with regional integration, peace and security, sustainable development and economic cooperation.
Addis Ababa is the diplomatic capital of Africa, and the posting puts Eswatini at the heart of continental decision-making.
Both Ambassadors will, in due course, present their Letters of Credence to the respective receiving authorities, in line with established diplomatic protocol.
Government has congratulated the two appointees and wished them well as they take up their new responsibilities in advancing the Kingdom’s national interests and strengthening relations with the international community.
The appointments take immediate effect.
