BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– His Royal Highness Prince Lindani has praised Africa and European legislators for unity they showed since they started engaging in Parliamentary sessions.
Reporting progress to His Majesty King Mswati III, Prince Lindani called for a more united Africa, stronger youth empowerment, and deeper international cooperation, saying the continent must increasingly speak with one voice in shaping global development and diplomacy.
Prince Lindani, an appointed Member of Parliament in Eswatini, made the remarks during a dinner hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III for Members of Parliament from Africa and the European Union at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini on the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026.
The legislators are in the Kingdom for the first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, a landmark engagement bringing together lawmakers from across Africa and Europe to deliberate on shared priorities, development cooperation, trade, governance, and global challenges.
Speaking during the dinner, Prince Lindani, who received a blessing of a baby girl on this day, reflected on the progress made during weeks of technical discussions and diplomatic engagement, praising the spirit of collaboration among delegates.
‘Africa must move together’
Prince Lindani said one of the strongest messages emerging from the engagements was the need for Africa to pursue unity in addressing common challenges and negotiating global partnerships.
“I am happy to note… that Africa walks as one,” Prince Lindani said, while highlighting the importance of a united continental voice in international negotiations and development matters.
He stressed that Africa’s engagement with global institutions should be rooted in cooperation that delivers practical outcomes for citizens.
According to Prince Lindani, the discussions also focused on strengthening parliamentary oversight and ensuring meaningful participation in international development initiatives.
Youth at the centre of development
The Eswatini royal legislator further placed strong emphasis on youth empowerment, saying young people must be central to policy-making and development programmes.
“The future is indeed the youth,” Prince Lindani said, while noting proposals discussed during the parliamentary engagements aimed at ensuring young people, students and emerging entrepreneurs benefit meaningfully from development programmes.
He said creating opportunities for young people was essential to securing sustainable economic growth and social stability across Africa.
Prince Lindani urged leaders to invest in initiatives that inspire young people to pursue innovation, entrepreneurship, and public service.
‘After negotiation comes conversation’
In a message that resonated strongly with delegates, Prince Lindani underscored the importance of diplomacy built on relationships rather than procedure.
“We have shown us that after negotiation comes conversation, and after conversation comes connection,” he said.
He noted that while parliamentary diplomacy often focuses on formal resolutions and technical agreements, enduring partnerships are built through trust, cultural understanding, and genuine human interaction.
“Tonight, titles matter in the Middle East and friendships matter a great deal more,” Prince Lindani told delegates, in remarks that drew attention to the importance of people-centred diplomacy.
Eswatini praised for hosting global dialogue
Prince Lindani also commended Eswatini’s role in convening the historic Africa-EU parliamentary gathering, describing the Kingdom as an emerging platform for meaningful international engagement.
He said the spirit of peace, dialogue, and cooperation fostered under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III had enabled nations to move beyond historical differences and work together toward shared prosperity.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Prince Lindani said countries represented at the assembly had evolved into “not just partners in history, but partners in purpose.”
He added that diplomacy should not merely produce agreements, but relationships that endure beyond official meetings.
Light-hearted moment amid serious diplomacy
Despite the seriousness of the deliberations, Prince Lindani brought warmth and humour to the evening, encouraging delegates to enjoy Eswatini’s hospitality and cultural experience.
“In conclusion, the official record will show that we met, but beautiful memories will remember that we connected,” he said.
In a moment that drew smiles from delegates, Prince Lindani joked that anyone returning home after enjoying Eswatini’s hospitality with “a few extra kilos” should regard it as “a diplomatic achievement.”
He also shared personal joy with attendees, announcing that he had become “the proud father of three” earlier in the day.
Historic parliamentary moment
The first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly is expected to deepen cooperation between African and European legislators on issues including trade, climate action, youth development, peace and security, and economic transformation.
For Eswatini, hosting the landmark gathering places the Kingdom at the centre of international parliamentary diplomacy while strengthening ties between Africa and Europe.
(Courtesy Pic)
