…Secretary General Moussa Saleh Batraki commends Eswatini’s hospitality and King’s commitment to international cooperation during historic Africa-EU parliamentary gathering
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– Secretary General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Moussa Saleh Batraki, has praised His Majesty King Mswati III for his exceptional hospitality, leadership and commitment to international solidarity, saying Eswatini continues to stand as a symbol of peace, dialogue and hope in an increasingly divided world.
Batraki made the remarks during a dinner hosted by His Majesty for African and European Members of Parliament attending the first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini on Monday evening.
The legislators are in the country for the landmark assembly convened under the Samoa Agreement, which seeks to strengthen cooperation between Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the European Union on issues including trade, climate action, governance, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
‘Exceptional hospitality and generosity’
Addressing delegates, Batraki expressed profound appreciation to His Majesty for welcoming international lawmakers to the Kingdom and creating an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue.
“I would like to express our gratitude to Your Majesty King Mswati III for the exceptional hospitality, generosity and warm presence extended to all the delegations gathered here for this historic meeting convened under the SAMOA Agreement,” Batraki said.
“Your Majesty, your gracious hosting of this important meeting once again reflects your exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to international cooperation, dialogue and solidarity among nations,” he added.
He said Eswatini’s hosting of the gathering demonstrated the Kingdom’s growing influence as a trusted convener of international dialogue.
‘A voice of reform, renewal and hope’
Batraki said King Mswati III’s leadership continued to foster peace and stability both within the region and internationally.
“Under Your Majesty’s wise leadership, the Kingdom of Eswatini continues to find the protection of peace, stability and constructive engagement within our region and across the wider global community,” Batraki said.
“At a time when the international community is confronted by growing uncertainty and division, Your Majesty continues to offer a voice of reform, renewal and hope for the nations.”
According to Batraki, the King’s vision for stronger international cooperation continued to inspire member states and position the organisation strategically within an evolving global order.
Leadership recognised across member states
The OACPS Secretary General further reflected on the recent 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where he said King Mswati III’s leadership and commitment to the future of the organisation received significant recognition.
“Your Majesty’s special leadership and commitment to the future of the organisation were deeply appreciated by member states,” Batraki said.
He further highlighted His Majesty’s role in mobilising support for the organisation, saying the King had demonstrated leadership rooted in partnership and collective responsibility.
“This reflected not only leadership of the highest order, but also a profound belief in the values of community, partnership and collective progress,” he said.
Recognition for Eswatini’s diplomatic efforts
Batraki also thanked those who had worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of the parliamentary engagements, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Eswatini’s diplomatic mission in Brussels, and members of the royal household involved in guiding discussions.
He acknowledged the support given to African legislators during preparatory engagements ahead of anticipated discussions with European counterparts.
‘Confidence and hope in Eswatini’
Batraki said the presence of delegates from multiple nations under one roof reflected the confidence member states continued to place in Eswatini and the leadership of King Mswati III.
“This gathering of distinguished nations, united in one room under Your Majesty’s gracious hospitality, reflects the confidence, respect and hope that member states continue to place in Your Majesty’s leadership and in the Kingdom of Eswatini as a valued partner within the OACPS family,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Batraki expressed gratitude to the people of Eswatini for their generosity and hospitality.
“It is therefore with renewed humility and honour that, on behalf of all delegations present here, I convey our highest appreciation and sincere gratitude to the people of Eswatini,” Batraki said.
