HIS Majesty King Mswati III has called for stronger cooperation between Eswatini and fellow African countries following the presentation of credentials by the new high commissioner of Ghana and the new Ambassador of Angola at Lozitha Royal Residence.
The king received letters of credence from Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate, Benjamin Anani Quashie, and Angola’s Ambassador-designate, Jovelina Imperial Costa, who both pledged to deepen bilateral relations with the country.
Speaking after receiving the credentials from the Ghanaian envoy, His Majesty said the two countries shared common aspirations as members of the African Union and other international organisations.
He said Africa’s development agenda required member States to work together in addressing poverty, unemployment and social development.
The king said African countries had already laid the foundation for cooperation through continental programmes and it was now important to translate those commitments into meaningful results. He said Eswatini and Ghana should continue exchanging ideas, expertise, business opportunities and cultural experiences to realise the aspirations of their people.
He also recalled his recent visit to Ghana, where he met President John Dramani Mahama and visited the Asante Kingdom, describing the country’s preservation of its cultural heritage as impressive.
His Majesty said the agreements already reached between Eswatini and Ghana should now be implemented for the benefit of citizens of both countries.
Quashie said President Mahama had conveyed his appreciation to the king for supporting Ghana’s Honorary Consul in Eswatini, Kobla Quashie, and expressed gratitude to Eswatini for the warm relations between the two nations.
He said cultural exchanges had strengthened ties between the countries, highlighting the king’s visit to Ghana and exchanges involving members of the royal family and government delegations.
The high commissioner also proposed reviving the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation to provide a structured framework for strengthening bilateral engagement.
He further said Ghana was committed to sharing its experience in responsible gold processing, transparent licensing and environmentally sustainable mining practices.
Meanwhile, Angola’s Ambassador-designate, Costa, said her government was committed to strengthening friendship, solidarity and cooperation with the kingdom through enhanced political and economic engagement.
She said Angola wanted to negotiate a protocol on political consultations with Eswatini that would eventually lead to broader agreements on economic, commercial and financial cooperation, as well as the establishment of a bilateral joint commission.
Costa also announced that Angola had introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of 98 countries, including the Kingdom of Eswatini, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days annually to promote tourism and business.
She invited local entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Angola, saying the country had introduced reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment through simplified procedures, tax incentives and legal reforms. She identified agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, mineral resources and tourism as key sectors driving Angola’s economic diversification.
Receiving the Angolan envoy, His Majesty welcomed the strengthening of relations between the two countries, noting that both were members of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
He said the various agreements signed between Eswatini and Angola should create opportunities for citizens through investment, trade and knowledge exchange.
The king also encouraged Emaswati to visit Angola as tourists and investors while inviting Angolans to explore opportunities in Eswatini. He assured the new ambassador of the kingdom’s full support in advancing bilateral cooperation.
