BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says effective preparation and coordination between Eswatini and the SADC Secretariat will be critical to the successful execution of the Kingdom’s forthcoming mandate as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Prime Minister made the remarks on Friday when he received a courtesy visit from the Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Professor Ishmael Kula Theletsane, who was accompanied by Senior Officer responsible for Politics and Diplomacy, Mr Terry Rose.
The SADC delegation is in the Kingdom as part of an induction programme aimed at preparing Eswatini for its forthcoming responsibilities as Chair of the Organ.
Dlamini welcomed the continued cooperation between the Kingdom and the SADC Secretariat, particularly the technical guidance being provided to national institutions involved in the work of the Organ.
He said proper preparation and coordination would be essential in ensuring that Eswatini was able to effectively discharge the responsibilities associated with the chairship.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the SADC Secretariat for undertaking the induction programme and for engaging relevant national institutions.
He welcomed the continued cooperation between the Kingdom and the regional body, noting that effective preparation and coordination would be critical to the successful execution of Eswatini’s mandate.
Professor Theletsane briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of the induction programme, saying the delegation had engaged key ministries, departments and institutions whose mandates are central to the work of the SADC Organ.
These include institutions responsible for foreign affairs, defence, national security, public security, policing, immigration and correctional services.
The Director also outlined the key responsibilities and engagements that Eswatini is expected to undertake during its tenure.
These will include hosting and facilitating a range of regional meetings, consultations and sector-specific activities over the coming year.
Prof. Theletsane reaffirmed the SADC Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Eswatini as the Kingdom assumes the chairship.
He said the Secretariat would provide the necessary technical support, institutional guidance and coordination to assist Eswatini in carrying out its responsibilities.
The engagement therefore provided an opportunity for the Government and the SADC Secretariat to exchange views on the forthcoming chairship, including the responsibilities, priorities and programme of activities associated with the regional mandate.
Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini’s readiness to assume the responsibilities of Chair of the SADC Organ and said the Kingdom remained committed to contributing constructively to the region’s integration, peace and security agenda.
He further underscored Eswatini’s commitment to the principles of peace, security, stability, democracy, good governance and regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister said the Kingdom would work collectively with SADC Member States to address challenges affecting the region.
He said Eswatini viewed the chairship not only as an important responsibility, but also as an opportunity to strengthen regional solidarity, deepen cooperation among Member States and contribute meaningfully to the consolidation of peace and stability in the SADC region.
The ongoing induction programme is consequently expected to strengthen coordination between national institutions and the SADC Secretariat ahead of Eswatini formally taking on the responsibilities of leading the Organ.
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(Courtesy Pic)
