Story by Bruce Chahwanda
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says his state visit to Eswatini should provide fresh impetus for strengthening and elevating cooperation between the two countries.
The visit coincides with Eswatini’s 57th International Trade Fair and the Umhlanga dance festival. Upon arrival, President Mnangagwa and his delegation were hosted at a State Banquet at Lozita Palace.
Zimbabwe and Eswatini share longstanding fraternal relations and are keen to expand cooperation across all sectors of the economy.
“I recall, with fond memories, Your Majesty’s state visit to Zimbabwe in 2023, during which we explored our shared desire to recalibrate and elevate our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our respective economies and peoples.
“This visit should, therefore, give impetus to strengthening synergies between our two countries. Our officials are called upon to move with speed to revive the Joint Economic and Technical Cooperation framework, towards propelling the implementation of agreed points of action.
“Partnerships in agriculture, tourism, trade, education, science, innovation and technology development, as well as in culture, should receive our focused attention. Our people are called upon to take full advantage of the Eswatini Airlines direct flight to Harare, which creates scope for increased business, tourism, as well as people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is ready to welcome those who wish to explore commercial opportunties that exist, despite global shocks, climate change and the illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country by the United States and its Western allies.
“Zimbabwe continues to realise unprecedented development milestones in all sectors. Our people-centered national development agenda is anchored by the philosophy that says, ‘ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.’ The development of our respective countries and the continent of Africa is our duty and responsibility. Others are welcome to assist us on our terms, based on our defined priorities and that which is good for improving the quality of life of our people,” he noted.
The head of state implored progressive nations not to relent in calling for the reform of the United Nations and expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for supporting Zimbabwe’s bid for the United Nations Security Council non-permananet seat.
“We recognise and appreciate the pledge of Eswatini’s support for Zimbabwe’s bid for the United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat for the period 2027 to 2028. We thank you, Your Majesty, and the Kingdom of Eswatini for this show of confidence and solidarity,” President Mnangagwa added.
His Majesty King Mswati the 3rd said the visit by President Mnangagwa should open new avenues for cooperation as the two countries’ economies are rooted in agriculture.
“The relationship between Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini is based on mutual commitment to economic empowerment and regional integration. We share economies rooted in agriculture, and our people stand to benefit from agro-processing and renewable energy. Let’s place our people at the heart of development to nurture these ties and open new avenues of cooperation from joint ventures in tourism, education, and other sectors to ensure Eswatini and Zimbabwe remain beacons of hope,” he said.
The state visit will see President Mnangagwa officially opening the Eswatini International Trade Fair this Saturday, as well as attending the Umhlanga Dance.
