BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOZITHA – His Majesty King Mswati III has called for stronger cooperation between Eswatini, Ghana and Angola, saying the time has come for African nations to move beyond agreements and ensure that partnerships translate into tangible economic opportunities, investment, trade and improved livelihoods for their citizens.
The King made the remarks at Lozitha Royal Palace where he received the Letters of Credence of the newly accredited High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to the Kingdom of Eswatini, H.E. Mr Benjamin Anani Quashie, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to the Kingdom of Eswatini, H.E. Ms Jovelina Imperial E. Costa.
Welcoming the two diplomats, His Majesty described Ghana and Angola as longstanding friends of Eswatini, noting that the three countries share common aspirations through continental and regional organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The King said Africa had already laid the foundation for deeper cooperation through various continental frameworks, but stressed that the challenge now was to turn those commitments into meaningful results for ordinary citizens.
He said African countries must work together to tackle common challenges such as poverty, unemployment and social development while creating an environment that encourages investment, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.
His Majesty said Eswatini looked forward to working closely with the new envoys to strengthen bilateral relations and ensure that existing agreements between the countries are fully implemented.
Speaking on relations with Angola, the King said the two countries already enjoy cordial diplomatic ties supported by several bilateral and regional agreements. He commended Angola for reforms aimed at improving its investment climate, saying such initiatives create opportunities for greater economic cooperation.
He encouraged emaSwati to explore investment and tourism opportunities in Angola while also inviting Angolan businesses and tourists to visit Eswatini and discover opportunities available in the Kingdom.
“We are looking forward to strengthening the cooperation that already exists between our countries. The agreements we have signed should ultimately benefit our citizens through increased investment, business opportunities and closer people-to-people relations,” the King said.
Turning to Ghana, His Majesty recalled his visit to the West African nation, describing it as memorable and praising the country’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
He said the cultural exchanges between the two countries had strengthened relations and should be expanded alongside business, tourism and investment partnerships.
The King said the appointment of the new High Commissioner presents an opportunity to accelerate cooperation and ensure that commitments already made by the two governments are translated into practical programmes.
Following the King’s remarks, Angola’s Ambassador H.E. Ms Jovelina Imperial E. Costa reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Eswatini.
She conveyed warm greetings from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and pledged to work closely with the Government of Eswatini to deepen friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two nations.
The ambassador said Angola was keen to establish stronger political consultations between the two foreign ministries as a foundation for broader cooperation in trade, investment and economic development.
She highlighted Angola’s ongoing economic diversification programme, which focuses on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, mining and tourism as the country seeks to reduce dependence on oil.
Ms Costa also pointed to reforms introduced to improve the investment environment, including simplified investment procedures, tax incentives and the removal of minimum investment thresholds.
She further noted that Eswatini citizens are among nationals from countries eligible for Angola’s visa exemption programme for short visits, saying the measure is intended to promote tourism, business travel and stronger people-to-people exchanges.
Inviting emaSwati entrepreneurs to invest in Angola, she said the country offers growing opportunities across several strategic sectors and expressed confidence that stronger commercial ties would benefit both nations.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s High Commissioner H.E. Mr Benjamin Anani Quashie said his mission would focus on deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Eswatini.
He conveyed greetings from Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and thanked His Majesty and the people of Eswatini for their warm hospitality and continued support for relations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner highlighted the growing cultural exchanges between Ghana and Eswatini, including His Majesty’s visit to Ghana and subsequent visits by royal delegations, saying these engagements have strengthened mutual understanding and friendship.
He also proposed reviving the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation to provide a structured framework for expanding collaboration in trade, investment and other strategic sectors.
Mr Quashie said Ghana is making significant progress in responsible mining and gold value addition through improved regulation and transparent supply chains, adding that these experiences could form part of broader cooperation between the two countries.
He expressed confidence that under his tenure, Ghana and Eswatini would continue building stronger diplomatic, cultural and economic relations for the benefit of both peoples.
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