BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has committed to proactively defend the sovereignty of the country against all forms of encroachment.
Unpacking its 2023 to 2028 ‘Nkwe’ Policy Statement, Government has promised to ensure to enforce the Vienna Convention on international relations. “The Vienna Convention on international relations will be enforced and the country’s sovereignty will be proactively defended against all forms of encroachment,” says part of the statement.
According to Wikipedia, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. Its aim is to facilitate “the development of friendly relations” among governments through a uniform set of practices and principles.
Most notably, it codifies the longstanding custom of diplomatic immunity, in which diplomatic missions are granted privileges that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.
The Vienna Convention is a cornerstone of modern international relations and international law and is almost universally ratified and observed. It is considered one of the most successful legal instruments drafted under the United Nations.
In short, the Vienna Convention outlines the rules of diplomatic relations to facilitate friendly relations between States and to enable States to develop economic, cultural and scientific relations, according to the United Nations Information Service Vienna.
According to the statement, the long-standing principles of Eswatini as a peace-loving country and without enemies, demonstrated by non-alignment and involvement in the affairs of other countries, will remain at the forefront of Eswatini’s international relations.
It is the mission of the Government to ensure that the country’s position on the global agenda will be informed first by the interests of Emaswati and espoused by Regional and Pan African bodies, including SADC and the African Union.
Government also promises to promote and defend the country’s Tinkhundla Governance System, as well as Siswati values and heritage that are so often unduly disparaged and under threat. Government also commits to maintain diplomatic ties with friendly countries and establish new diplomatic relations with supportive and interested countries.
“The effectiveness of the country’s foreign embassies shall be evaluated and renewed with a new and proactive impetus. Eswatini will review membership to international organisations based on the cost of membership and the value they add to the country,” says part of the statement.