His Majesty King Mswati III has welcomed his election as deputy chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, commonly known as the Troika.
This is a regional body tasked with promoting peace and security in southern Africa.
His Majesty said the election showed Eswatini’s commitment to advancing Africa’s peace and security agenda.
This is His Majesty’s second tenure after he was elected as Troika Chairperson from 2010 to 2011.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
The King made the remarks during a press briefing yesterday morning upon his return from the 45th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Madagascar. The King also attended the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
This is a regional body tasked with promoting peace and security in Southern Africa.
He said the summit was a resounding success where countries within SADC reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace, stability, development, good health, and economic growth within the region.
He added that all member states committed to continue working together for the development of the region as well as reaffirm partnerships and support one another.
His Majesty said the summit agenda had a positive outcome and lauded the reception they received in Madagascar.
“The summit was a success and we were welcomed with open arms by the Madagascar president, government, and the people of the nation,” he said.
The King took special notice of Eswatini’s re-appointment into the SADC Troika, stating that this was a milestone for the nation and assured that he would uphold the organ’s standards and policies for the benefit of the region while fostering peace and stability.
His Majesty also lauded the infrastructure development projects in Madagascar, citing the highway they toured as an example of projects meant to bring development and economic growth to the country.
He said it was important for African countries to support one another as members of SADC to ensure projects were implemented and that summit goals were realised by all nations.
The King also spoke about the successful TICAD9, which enhanced relations between Japan and African nations.
He said Japan was one of the leading countries in terms of development and industrialisation, stating that such partnerships were crucial to foster development not only in Eswatini but across the continent.
His Majesty added that as African nations, they assured to improve partnerships with Japan.
The King also mentioned that the Eswatini delegation was welcomed with open arms by the Japanese government and people.
He further encouraged African nations to showcase their goods and products to the Japanese market.
“It is important to note that Japan has one of the biggest markets in the world and it is important for Eswatini and all African nations to take advantage of such opportunities and partner with Japan,” he said.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
