Minister of Foreign Affairs strengthens global ties in OACPS Presidency

By Ncaba Ntshakala

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, continues to work tirelessly in elevating Eswatini’s standing in global diplomacy.

As the recently elected President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), she has engaged in high-level discussions with international leaders where she is reinforcing the country’s leadership role in global affairs.

In her latest diplomatic engagement, Minister Shakantu met with Rita Laranjinha, the Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The meeting focused on strengthening discussions surrounding Eswatini’s presidency of the OACPS, as well as enhancing bilateral relations with the European Union.

Following their exchange, Laranjinha took to her X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing her appreciation for the discussions, stating, “Pleasure to meet Eswatini Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu today.

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Meaningful discussions on Eswatini’s Presidency of OACPS, AUPSC and bilateral relations. Looking forward to continuing our exchanges.”

Laranjinha, who has an extensive background in diplomacy, previously served as Portugal’s Ambassador to Denmark and Lithuania and held key positions in Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since assuming her role at the EEAS in December 2020, she has been instrumental in shaping the EU’s engagement with Africa.

This is not the first high-profile engagement for Minister Shakantu since taking over the OACPS presidency.

She recently met with the Secretary-General of the Organisation, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, in Brussels to further discuss Eswatini’s strategic role within the organization.

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The OACPS, formerly known as the ACP Group, was established through the Georgetown Agreement in 1975 and comprises 79 member states across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Its mandate is centered on sustainable development, economic integration into the global economy, and poverty eradication.

The organization also seeks to strengthen unity and solidarity among member states, promote peace, security, and stability, advocate for multilateralism, and empower youth and women.