BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla proudly represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini during the 57th Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea held on October 12, 2025.
The high-profile event commemorated Equatorial Guinea’s independence from Spain in 1968 and brought together leaders, diplomats, and dignitaries from across the African continent and beyond. Eswatini’s presence at the event signaled the strong and growing bilateral relations between the two nations.
A Celebration of Unity and Progress
The Independence Day event was marked by vibrant cultural performances, military parades, and speeches by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who highlighted the country’s progress and ambitions for the future. He thanked visiting dignitaries for their presence and support.
Equatorial Guinea’s celebrations reflected national pride in its journey from colonial rule to sovereignty, as well as ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure, diversify the economy, and promote education and healthcare for its citizens.
Growing Bilateral Relations
The diplomatic relationship between Eswatini and Equatorial Guinea has seen tangible milestones over the years. One notable highlight was in 2012, when police officers from Equatorial Guinea participated in a training program hosted by Eswatini’s Police Academy in Matsapha. The initiative focused on skills transfer and law enforcement capacity building and was a landmark in security cooperation between the two countries.
Eswatini’s participation in the 2025 Independence Day celebration is seen as a continuation of this diplomatic warmth, showcasing the importance of African unity, knowledge-sharing, and people-to-people cooperation.
Looking Ahead
The Kingdom of Eswatini remains committed to deepening its relationships across the continent in line with its foreign policy goals, which emphasize peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
As both nations continue their journeys of nation-building and economic advancement, the spirit of cooperation and friendship was on full display — a fitting tribute to 57 years of independence and a shared African future.
