BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOZITHA — His Majesty King Mswati III has welcomed India’s support for Africa to secure permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, saying the continent must be given a meaningful role in decisions affecting the world.
The King made the remarks on Thursday when he received the Letters of Credence of India High Commissioner-designate Anand Prakash at Lozitha Royal Palace.
His Majesty said Eswatini appreciated India’s support for the call to reform the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to provide Africa with permanent representation.
“We also appreciate the support of India, supporting the call for Africa, for the United Nations to be reformed, which of course would include that Africa would have a permanent seat in the Security Council,” the King said.
He argued that the structure of the United Nations reflected the circumstances that existed when the organisation was established, when there were far fewer member states than there are today.
The King said the growth in UN membership meant there was now a need to reconsider the structure of the organisation and allow other regions to participate meaningfully in the Security Council.
“We are looking forward that Africa will one day be one of those countries which will be amongst those making such very important decisions in the world,” he said.
India has consistently supported permanent African representation on an expanded Security Council. In recent UN discussions, India has reaffirmed support for addressing what it describes as the historical under-representation of Africa in the permanent category.
India has also publicly backed the Common African Position on Security Council reform, including permanent representation for African countries.
Prakash, who presented his credentials to the King, said India and Eswatini shared views on the need to reform institutions of global governance.
The High Commissioner-designate said the two countries could continue working together on issues of mutual interest, including at multilateral level.
His Majesty said Eswatini valued the relationship with India and welcomed the country’s support for Africa’s aspirations.
He linked the issue to the wider cooperation between India and Africa, saying the continent’s development vision could not be achieved without support from international partners.
“We are looking at ways how Africa and India can continue to cooperate,” the King said.
He said India’s experience in areas including industrialisation, agro-industry, tourism and infrastructure offered opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries.
The King also pointed to the importance of exchange visits, saying interactions between people from different countries helped strengthen understanding and cooperation.
He recalled the visits between Eswatini and India, including the visit by India’s President to the Kingdom, saying such engagements had produced concrete results in bilateral relations.
His Majesty further welcomed the establishment of diplomatic missions in the two countries, noting that India’s High Commission was now based in Eswatini and that Eswatini was establishing its diplomatic presence in India.
The King said the Kingdom would continue supporting the High Commissioner in carrying out his duties, while expressing hope that the existing relationship between Eswatini and India would expand into new areas of cooperation.
