- Eswatini reaffirms commitment to stronger Africa-Europe cooperation
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Appointed Member of Parliament, Prince Lindani, representing His Majesty King Mswati III, officially opened the inaugural OACPS-EU Parliamentary Assembly at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Delivering the King’s message, Prince Lindani welcomed parliamentarians, policymakers and strategic partners from Africa and Europe to the Kingdom of Eswatini, describing the summit as a historic milestone in strengthening intercontinental parliamentary cooperation.
“From the onset, let me take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Kingdom of Eswatini for this official opening of the first Africa-EU Parliamentary Summit,” Prince Lindani said, expressing confidence that delegates had already experienced the warmth and hospitality of emaSwati.
He said Eswatini remained committed to advancing national aspirations aimed at positioning the country among developed nations through strategic partnerships and international cooperation.
Historic moment for Eswatini
Prince Lindani said Eswatini was privileged to host the landmark gathering, which brought together parliamentarians, policymakers and development partners in the spirit of cooperation, dialogue and shared development.
He also extended appreciation to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States Secretariat, the European Union and participating delegations for entrusting Eswatini with hosting the high-level assembly.
“This occasion is particularly significant for our country because it marks the first international parliamentary gathering to be hosted at the Palazzo,” he said.
Prince Lindani said the milestone reflected Eswatini’s continued commitment to international engagement, modern infrastructure development and constructive diplomacy.
He added that government hoped the facility would continue serving as a platform for regional cooperation, investment promotion, cultural exchange and international understanding.
Focus on pressing global issues
The Prince welcomed the Assembly programme, noting that it addressed strategic issues affecting both Africa and Europe, including peace and security, youth mobility and education, women’s economic empowerment, critical mineral partnerships and the future of multilateral institutions.
He said the inclusion of youth, women and business forums alongside parliamentary proceedings reflected a people-centred and inclusive approach to cooperation.
“The Assembly programme reflects the growing importance of parliamentary cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges,” he said.
Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on regional peace and security, youth education and mobility, women’s empowerment in agriculture, critical minerals partnerships and reforms of global institutions.
Support for Samoa Agreement
Prince Lindani reaffirmed Eswatini’s support for the Samoa Agreement, describing it as an important framework governing relations between the OACPS and the European Union.
He said the agreement provided a platform for stronger cooperation in trade and investment, governance, climate resilience, education, digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.
“As we meet here today, the international community continues to confront significant and interconnected challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, geopolitical tensions, debt pressures and rapid technological transformation,” he said.
According to Prince Lindani, these realities required stronger international solidarity, practical cooperation and renewed commitment to multilateralism.
Africa’s development priorities
The Prince stressed that Africa’s development priorities remained clear, highlighting industrialisation, infrastructure development, value addition, food security, youth employment and technological innovation as key areas requiring stronger partnerships.
He also underscored the need for Africa’s natural resources, including critical minerals, to contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for African citizens.
Investment in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, particularly for young people and women, was also identified as central to Africa’s long-term transformation.
Hope for practical outcomes
Prince Lindani said Eswatini remained committed to dialogue and international cooperation and hoped deliberations of the Assembly would strengthen Africa-Europe relations and provide practical solutions to shared global challenges.
“Our people are following this Assembly with keen interest because they are confident it will provide clear direction for the future of our economies and inclusive development, leaving no one behind,” he said.
The parliamentary assembly, held under the Samoa Agreement framework, marks the first gathering of its kind and is expected to shape future cooperation between Africa and Europe.
