ESWATINI and Lesotho are set to deepen cooperation in trade, cultural exchange and other areas of mutual interest, with the two sister kingdoms agreeing to assess progress annually.
His Majesty King Mswati III revealed the development when addressing the media at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Monday following his visit to Lesotho, where he attended the Diamond Jubilee Independence celebrations.
The king said discussions between the two kingdoms had identified opportunities to strengthen their existing relationship and create practical avenues for cooperation.
He said the areas of cooperation would include trade and cultural exchange, among others, with progress expected to be reviewed annually to assess the milestones achieved.
His Majesty said the initiative would create opportunities for closer economic and cultural relations between the two kingdoms, which share longstanding historical ties and are members of regional and continental organisations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“These organisations provide a platform from which the two countries could deepen bilateral cooperation. Our membership of SADC, the AU and AfCFTA could support efforts to expand trade and cooperation,” said the king.
He described his visit to Lesotho as successful, saying the celebrations demonstrated the peace and stability enjoyed by the Basotho people.
He said the two countries had an opportunity to build on their existing relationship by identifying areas where cooperation could deliver tangible benefits.
His Majesty also emphasised the importance of cultural identity, saying Lesotho had used the Jubilee celebrations to showcase its identity, culture and aspirations for the future.
He said Eswatini and Lesotho could similarly strengthen their cultural ties while opening avenues for increased economic cooperation.
The king noted that the visit also carried an element of reciprocity, saying King Letsie III had previously joined Emaswati during the country’s 40/58 Ruby Jubilee celebrations.
He described his visit to Lesotho, where he was accompanied by Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, as a way of returning the gesture.
His Majesty also commended Lesotho for its contribution to the political, economic and social development of Southern Africa over the past 60 years.
He highlighted the country’s role in regional integration, noting that Lesotho was among the founding members of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980, which later became SADC in 1992.
The king further praised Lesotho’s contribution to human capital development, particularly through academic institutions in the Roma Valley, which he said had produced ministers and senior civil servants who went on to contribute to the development of countries, including Eswatini and Botswana.
He also cited the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, soil and water conservation programmes and the country’s textile manufacturing sector as examples of Lesotho’s contribution to regional development and economic cooperation.
Upon his return, His Majesty was welcomed by Emakhosikati, Emazinyane and members of the royal family.
Others included Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and members of various advisory councils.
