…His Majesty welcomes ACP and EU delegates, urges stronger cooperation, investment, and shared development at historic parliamentary conference
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– His Majesty King Mswati III has called for stronger international cooperation, deeper economic partnerships, and increased investment in tourism and development, describing the Kingdom of Eswatini as “heaven” and a rising global destination for dialogue, culture, and opportunity.
The King made the remarks while welcoming Members of Parliament from Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, as well as the European Union, during a high-level engagement linked to the first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly held at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini. This happened on the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026.
‘We extend a very warm welcome’
His Majesty opened by warmly receiving all visiting delegations, emphasising Eswatini’s hospitality and commitment to international cooperation.
“What do we do? We would like to welcome into the Kingdom, into the way we define it, our dear friends from African or ACP member states as well as those from the European Union,” King Mswati III said.
“We extend a very warm welcome to all of you… we are very happy that you come to this great place.”
The King described Eswatini as a unique destination of natural beauty and cultural richness.
“When you look around, you can surely agree that this is heaven,” he said. “So you are coming here to help this conference.”
Tourism and investment at the centre of development
His Majesty said Eswatini’s hosting of international conferences forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
He noted that the Kingdom has been investing in modern facilities to attract global conferences and visitors.
“This facility will be one facility that we can really support the Kingdom, especially in the tourism sector,” the King said.
“One of our priorities is that we want to promote tourism as one of our key tourist destinations. And if you are going to attract many tourists, one needs facilities like this.” he said.
