BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini marked a significant milestone in its diplomatic relations with Algeria during a two-day official visit by His Excellency Mohamed Meziane, Special Envoy of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The visit, which took place from January 20 to 21, 2025, underscored the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
H.E. Meziane conveyed a special message from President Tebboune to His Majesty King Mswati III, reaffirming the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Eswatini. On behalf of His Majesty, Prime Minister Russell M. Dlamini officially received H.E. Meziane at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Pholile Shakantu and Algerian Ambassador to Eswatini H.E. Ridha Nebaïs.
Strengthening a 30-Year Relationship
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994, Algeria and Eswatini have fostered a partnership based on shared values of peace, development, and African unity. This recent visit aimed to deepen cooperation in key areas, including:
- Trade and Investment: Both nations explored opportunities to enhance trade and foster investments in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
- Education and Training: Algeria committed to expanding its scholarship programs and technical training opportunities for emaSwati students, particularly in vocational and specialized fields.
- Agriculture and Food Security: With Algeria’s expertise in desert farming, the nations plan to collaborate on sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security in Eswatini.
- Health Cooperation: Discussions centered on strengthening healthcare systems, training medical personnel, and sharing public health expertise.
- Tourism and Culture: The visit also emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and joint initiatives to boost both nations’ tourism industries.
Promoting African Unity and Development
The visit underscored the mutual commitment of Eswatini and Algeria to promote African unity, peace, and prosperity. Senior government officials from both countries participated in the discussions, highlighting the importance of this high-level engagement.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Pholile Shakantu expressed optimism about the potential for these partnerships to benefit both nations. “This visit has laid the groundwork for meaningful collaboration in areas critical to our shared development goals,” she said.
Looking Ahead
This diplomatic engagement represents a significant step forward in the relationship between Algeria and Eswatini, paving the way for future collaborations in areas of mutual interest. Both nations remain dedicated to fostering partnerships that contribute to regional stability and growth.
Released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on January 21, 2025, the statement reaffirmed the importance of this visit as a testament to Eswatini’s growing diplomatic engagement on the African continent.
