King Mswati III Receives Letters of Credence from Japan’s Ambassador Shimizu Fumio
By Siphesihle Dlamini
His Majesty King Mswati III received letters of credence from the designated Ambassador of Japan to Eswatini, H.E. Shimizu Fumio, on Tuesday at Lozitha Palace.
This ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing relationship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Japan, as both nations continue to strengthen their diplomatic ties and foster cooperation in various sectors.
During the ceremony, His Majesty warmly welcomed Ambassador Fumio, expressing the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Ambassador during his tenure in Eswatini.
The King emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Government, and the Japanese Embassy.
His Majesty’s reception of the Ambassador signifies not only a formal acknowledgement of diplomatic relations but also a reaffirmation of Eswatini’s dedication to fostering international friendships that promote development and progress.
Ambassador Fumio took the opportunity to convey the best wishes of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, underscoring the desire to see the strengthening of the cordial relations established between the two countries.
“Japan and Eswatini have established close and cordial relations since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1971,” he noted, reflecting on the long-standing friendship that has developed over the decades.
The Ambassador highlighted Japan’s commitment to contributing to Eswatini’s national priorities, which include education, healthcare, agriculture, and food security.
Through various cooperation frameworks, including grant assistance and technical support, Japan has played an instrumental role in helping Eswatini achieve its developmental goals.
Ambassador Fumio elaborated on Japan’s ongoing initiatives in Eswatini, stating, “Japan has been deeply committed to contributing to Eswatini’s priorities through various cooperation frameworks.”
This commitment is evident in numerous projects aimed at enhancing educational facilities, improving healthcare systems, and bolstering agricultural productivity to ensure food security for the nation.
The Ambassador’s remarks underscore Japan’s role as a key partner in Eswatini’s development journey, showcasing the potential for further collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the Kingdom.
A highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding His Majesty’s upcoming trip to Japan next month to attend the Ninth Summit Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
Ambassador Fumio expressed his honour and pleasure regarding the King’s participation in this prestigious event, which has a history of over 30 years since its inception in 1993.
