Eswatini and the European Union yesterday reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and shared commitment to peace, development and international cooperation.
This was during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of Europe Day and 50 years of EU-Eswatini relations.
Speaking on behalf of King Mswati III at the Europe Day reception held at House on Fire, Prince Gcina said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the European Union’s remarkable journey and the strong bilateral ties forged with Eswatini over the past five decades.
He described the anniversary as “a truly special and historic milestone,” noting that the European Union had evolved from “a bold vision born from the ashes of the Second World War to the powerful principled global actor it is today.”
He said the ideals upon which the EU was founded — solidarity, democracy, fundamental freedoms and mutual dependence — resonated strongly with the values of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“These are the pillars upon which the European Union was built and they resonate with the values of the Kingdom of Eswatini, making us natural allies in the pursuit of a more just and peaceful world,” His Majesty said.
The king urged nations across the world to continue defending unity, peace and prosperity, warning that such achievements should never be taken for granted.
“Without these pillars, we shall be a broken society whose future will remain uncertain,” he stated.
The speech also touched on growing global instability and ongoing international conflicts.
The king said Eswatini shared concerns raised earlier by Karsten Mecklenburg regarding tensions threatening global peace, particularly the war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world.
He reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and diplomacy.
“We remain committed to the United Nations resolution for the silencing of the guns and call for an immediate end to all ongoing conflicts across the globe,” he said.
His Majesty further stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation among nations, saying the world must look beyond divisions in order to secure peace and economic transformation for future generations.
“The world we live in demands of us to look beyond our differences, to be diplomatic and to find common ground that allows all nations to harmoniously live in peace together,” he said.
The king also commended the EU for what he described as principled leadership demonstrated through recent international engagements, while assuring the bloc of Eswatini’s continued support in multilateral forums.
A major focus of the address was the enduring development partnership between Eswatini and the EU. The king said the relationship, which dates back approximately 50 years, had produced significant achievements that continued to positively impact the lives of Emaswati.
“The European Union has been a steadfast and trusted development partner to the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
He noted that through sustained financial and technical support, the EU had contributed to transforming livelihoods and advancing national development priorities.
The king also highlighted the significance of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which this year marks 10 years since its implementation.
“The fact that there are zero tariffs on any exports from Eswatini to the European Union is an extraordinary opportunity that we must continue to maximise for the benefit of our people,” he said.
He praised the EU for supporting public-private dialogue, value addition and the competitiveness of local enterprises, including small and medium-sized businesses.
The speech further recognised the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying Eswatini was strategically positioned to benefit from both regional integration and its partnership with the EU.
Youth empowerment and skills development also featured prominently in the address.
His Majesty welcomed the EU’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education under its Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Eswatini, describing youth unemployment as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
“We are pleased that our strategic focus was not only targeted at the youth but rather all-inclusive of our minority groups, including women and other vulnerable people,” he said.
He expressed pride that Eswatini had been chosen to host major international gatherings, including the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly at the Ezulwini Palazzo and the upcoming Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Assembly.
“The combined voice of these nations within the United Nations General Assembly is significant and we must use it wisely and responsibly in the service of peace, sustainable development and international cooperation,” he said.
The king then reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union in the years ahead.
