BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The European Union (EU) in Eswatini bids farewell to outgoing European Union Ambassador Her Excellency Ms. Dessislava Choumelova.
Choumelova is the third resident EU Ambassador to Eswatini, taking over from Her Excellency Esmeralda Hernandez Aragones in 2021.
During her farewell address at Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show yesterday (Wednesday, August 7, 2024) Ambassador Choumelova revealed that her decision to accept the role in Eswatini was motivated by her positive experiences during her previous posting in South Africa.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with many Emaswati throughout her three-year tenure, emphasising the warmth and friendliness that the country is known for. She also praised the Eswatini government and its ministers for their openness and cooperation, which enabled her to accomplish her duties with ease and efficiency.
Ambassador Choumelova highlighted the importance of collaboration in diplomatic work, stating that she has made it a priority to engage with various stakeholders and members of Eswatini society during her tenure. She expressed appreciation for the chance to interact and build relationships with people from all levels of the Eswatini government and community, emphasizing that her office was always open to dialogue and constructive feedback.
She reiterated the vital role of diplomacy in fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation among different stakeholders. She emphasised that she has made it a priority to engage with people from all levels of society, from government officials to community leaders, and that she has always welcomed people to approach her and share their perspectives. She expressed gratitude for the valuable interactions and insights she has gained during her time in Eswatini.
Choumelova also shared her experience of immersing herself in Eswatini’s vibrant culture, having been a witness to various cultural activities such as the Incwala and Umhlanga. She highlighted the significance of culture in building community and in providing a sense of shared heritage.Choumelova praised their fruitful partnership with House on Fire and EU Bushfire Festival, which has not only provided entertainment but also promoted the arts and culture as viable career paths for the youth of Eswatini.
She detailed the inclusivity efforts of this year’s EU Bushfire Festival, which featured not only students from the four regions of Eswatini but also those from schools for children with disabilities and the refugee centre in Malindza. She stressed the importance of such initiatives in fostering talent and promoting diversity within the arts. She further praised the contribution of festivals like Bushfire and Luju to the growth of the arts and culture industry, creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work and for the tourism and hospitality sectors to flourish.
Throughout her stay in Eswatini, Ambassador Choumelova proudly mentioned the assistance provided by the European Union in supporting the country’s music industry. This support included donating a state-of-the-art recording studio in Manzini and providing training to fifteen young DJs, in collaboration with House on Fire. She stressed that these initiatives were not only aimed at developing the local music industry but also at fostering collaboration with neighboring countries, which she believes is critical for the growth and sustainability of the creative economy in Eswatini.
