BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken another step toward strengthening its international relations following a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria.
The delegation, led by Mr. Arief Ilham Ramadhan, First Secretary for Economic Affairs, included Mr. Tonny Hendriawan, Director of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center in Johannesburg, and other officials.
During the courtesy visit, the parties discussed updates on existing bilateral cooperation and explored potential areas for future collaboration. Key sectors identified for joint initiatives include fertilizer production, security document printing, mining, and railway construction.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who hosted the delegation, emphasized the significance of the meeting in enhancing ties between the two nations. “This engagement demonstrates the commitment of both Eswatini and Indonesia to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. The sectors we’ve discussed are pivotal to Eswatini’s development agenda, and Indonesia’s expertise presents exciting opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
One of the key topics on the agenda was the implementation of the Visa Exemption Agreement for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports. The agreement, signed during the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, last September, is expected to ease diplomatic travel and facilitate seamless interaction between officials of both countries.
“The Visa Exemption Agreement is a tangible example of how our partnership is growing. It will encourage closer collaboration and make it easier for our countries to work together effectively,” the Prime Minister added.
The visit comes at a time when Eswatini is prioritizing international partnerships to stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development. The Indonesian delegation expressed optimism about the potential for impactful collaborations.
“This is a new chapter in the relationship between Eswatini and Indonesia. We are confident that the projects discussed today will bring significant benefits to both countries,” said Ramadhan.
The discussions reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development, paving the way for impactful initiatives that will strengthen Eswatini’s economy while deepening diplomatic ties.
The PM concluded by highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving national goals: “By working together, Eswatini and Indonesia can unlock new opportunities and create lasting benefits for our people. We look forward to turning these discussions into actionable outcomes.”