Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in One-Day Working Visit to Eswatini
By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Kingdom of Eswatini on Wednesday hosted His Excellency Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Kheraji, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on a one-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two monarchies.
The Saudi diplomat arrived at King Mswati III International Airport at 11:45 a.m., where he was warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Lindaninkosi Dlamini together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Following his arrival, H.E. El Kheraji proceeded to the Royal Villas, where he paid a courtesy call on Senator Pholile Shakantu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Eswatini and Saudi Arabia in areas such as trade, investment, and development assistance.
Shortly thereafter, the Vice Minister visited the Right Honourable Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini at Lozitha Palace, where the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including potential collaboration in economic development and youth empowerment.
The highlight of the visit was a courtesy call to His Majesty King Mswati III, followed by a luncheon hosted in honour of the distinguished guest.
The engagement underscored the long-standing cordial relations between Eswatini and Saudi Arabia, both members of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
H.E. El Kheraji’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Saudi Arabia to deepen relations with African nations, promoting cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development.
Eswatini, for its part, continues to seek strategic partnerships aimed at advancing its First World Vision and diversifying the national economy.
It should be noted that Saudi Arabia has in recent years strengthened its diplomatic presence in Africa, seeking partnerships in energy, infrastructure, education, and agriculture.
Eswatini continues to position itself as a trusted ally and development partner on the continent, advancing His Majesty’s First World Vision through strategic international collaboration.
This visit marks a significant step in translating the two countries previous discussions into actionable partnerships. H.E El Kheraji also paid a courtesy calls to the Prime Minister and His Majesty King Mswati III.
In December last year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu signed a general cooperation agreement with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia. The agreement reaffirmed the shared commitment to enhancing collaboration between the two nations.
Eswatini and Saudi Arabia are dedicated to bringing these agreements to life for the benefit of both Kingdoms.
Eswatini’s longstanding ties, established on April 25, 1999, have been strengthened through this cooperation.
