…. Security, defence, trade and transport top bilateral talks
…. Countries push for implementation of existing agreements
…. Mozambique brings consular services closer to nationals in Eswatini
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini and Mozambique have stepped up efforts to deepen cooperation in six key areas, with security, defence, trade, transport, consular affairs and regional cooperation taking centre stage during high-level talks between the two neighbouring countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation met Mozambique’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Communities Abroad, Dr Maria de Fátima Manso, during a courtesy call on Friday, where both sides agreed on the need to turn existing bilateral agreements into practical results for their citizens.
The talks also placed strong emphasis on maintaining regular high-level engagement between the two governments while expanding cooperation that supports trade, cross-border movement, security and services for communities in both countries.
The meeting provided the two governments with an opportunity to take stock of their longstanding relationship and discuss practical ways of ensuring that agreements between the two countries translate into tangible benefits for their people.
Eswatini and Mozambique share more than a border. The two countries are connected by trade, transport routes, family ties, regional security interests and the movement of people between their territories.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contact and ensuring that existing bilateral agreements are properly implemented.
Discussions covered cooperation in security and defence, trade, transport, consular affairs and wider regional matters.
The engagement comes at a time when countries within the Southern African Development Community continue to place greater emphasis on regional cooperation, cross-border trade, security and easier movement of goods and people.
For landlocked Eswatini, Mozambique remains an important neighbour, particularly because of its transport corridors and access to ports that support regional and international trade.
The Foreign Affairs Minister welcomed Mozambique’s efforts to bring consular and documentation services closer to Mozambican nationals living in Eswatini.
The initiative is expected to make it easier for Mozambican citizens residing in the Kingdom to access important government services without having to travel long distances to obtain documentation and other consular assistance.
The two governments also acknowledged the cooperation that already exists in handling matters affecting citizens of both countries.
Such cooperation remains important for communities living and working across the border, particularly in areas involving travel documentation, immigration matters, transport and cross-border movement.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of maintaining stable relations between the neighbouring countries as they seek to expand economic and social cooperation.
Closer trade and transport cooperation could also open further opportunities for businesses, improve the movement of goods and strengthen commercial links between Eswatini and Mozambique.
Security and defence cooperation also remains an important part of the relationship, particularly as Southern African countries continue working together to respond to cross-border crime and broader regional security challenges.
The latest engagement signals the determination of both governments to build on the relationship already established over many years while identifying new areas where cooperation can bring direct benefits to citizens.
With trade, transport, security and consular matters firmly on the agenda, the meeting demonstrated that Eswatini and Mozambique are looking beyond diplomatic courtesy and towards practical cooperation capable of strengthening relations between the two neighbouring nations.
(Courtesy Pic)
