BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini and the European Union strengthened 50 years of partnership, which began in 1976 and has since evolved into a broad and structured cooperation framework marked by steady progress across governance, economic development and social sectors, during the 3rd Kingdom of Eswatini–European Union Partnership Dialogue held on May 8, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane.
The engagement brought together Government ministries and senior European representatives to review and discuss ongoing cooperation, with a focus on consolidating collaboration in key priority areas.
The Government delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, alongside senior officials from various ministries, including Finance and ICT. The EU delegation was led by Ambassador Karsten Mecklenburg, and included other EU Ambassadors accredited to Eswatini.
Shakantu said the partnership continued to demonstrate strong progress over the past five decades, evolving into a strategic relationship that supports Eswatini’s national development priorities.
“This engagement provided an important platform for us to reflect on and strengthen cooperation in areas that are central to national development. Over the years, this partnership has grown into one of mutual respect and shared commitment to progress,” she said.
EU Ambassador Mecklenburg said the relationship remained strong and continued to deliver meaningful cooperation across key sectors.
“We continue to value this long-standing partnership with the Kingdom of Eswatini. Over the years, we have built strong cooperation with Government and other stakeholders, and we remain committed to advancing this collaboration further,” he said.
The dialogue discussed a wide range of strategic issues aimed at deepening cooperation between the two sides, including geopolitics, investment climate, digital transformation, governance, human rights and human development.
Shakantu reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership continues to deliver practical benefits for emaSwati.
“It is important that this cooperation continues to respond to the needs of our people, especially young people, and supports inclusive development across all sectors,” she said.
The dialogue continues with further deliberations between Government ministries and the European Union.
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