THE country has met with a delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat to review responsibilities arising from the kingdom’s Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and to set the tone for a government-wide induction programme.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu met with the delegation as the country commenced the induction. The programme started yesterday and will run until tomorrow.
The SADC delegation was led by the Director of the Organ, Professor Ishmael Kula Theletsane, who was accompanied by Head of the Public Relations Unit, Barbara Lopi and Senior Officer Responsible for Politics and Diplomacy Terry Rose.
According to government, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the responsibilities arising from Eswatini’s Chairmanship and to set the tone for the induction programme taking place from September 8 to 10. Government stated that the programme brings together ministries, departments and institutions responsible for foreign affairs, defence, State security, public security, policing, immigration, corrections, anti-corruption, refugees, parks and wildlife, counter-terrorism and women, peace and security.
Government further revealed that over the course of the induction, government institutions will engage directly with SADC experts on the mandate and working methods of the organ, the preparation and conduct of regional meetings, implementation of SADC decisions, management of sensitive information, and the logistical and communication standards expected of the chair.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini accepts this responsibility with humility and a clear appreciation of the confidence placed in His Majesty King Mswati III and the government by the SADC region. Our Chairmanship must be approached as a coordinated national undertaking. Every participating institution must understand its responsibilities, maintain the required level of readiness and contribute effectively to the peace, security and democratic stability of our region,” said Shakantu.
