Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

ESWATINI, MOROCCO SIGN VISA WAIVER

By NOMTHANDAZO NKAMBULE | 2024-06-27

ESWATINI and the Kingdom of Morocco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa waiver.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Newman Ntshangase said the visa waiver was for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Speaking yesterday during the second Eswatini-Morocco experts meeting held at Sibane Hotel, Ezulwini, the PS said the collaboration between the two kingdoms was testament to the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the strong diplomatic relations that have always existed.

“It clearly symbolises brotherhood. Subsequent to the first meeting of the experts, several legal documents were proposed and approved for signatures,” he said at the meeting, which was also attended by representatives from the ministries of agriculture, tourism and environmental affairs, justice and constitutional affairs, as well as ICT.

Ntshangase said there was also the MoU between the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the ministry of foreign affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan expatriates (Moroccan Academy for Diplomatic Studies).

He said other instruments such as the agreement between Eswatini government and government of Morocco on investment protection and promotion were under consideration.

The PS said government greatly appreciated the ongoing cooperation in various areas between the two kingdoms.

Ntshangase said over the past year, a number of government ministries had undertaken learning visits to Morocco for benchmarking exercises, meetings, fairs and exhibitions, among others, adding that the scholarship programme provided by the Morocco Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) continued.

“The Kingdom of Eswatini appreciates the inclusion of the TVET programmes as part of the scholarship from AMCI. It should be noted that AMCI has been very instrumental as these have provided for Emaswati delegations on a full sponsorship basis. This is truly appreciated,” he said.

Eswatini-Morocco joint Commission Cooperation on the cards

HEAD of Moroccan Delegation and acting Director of African Affairs Lalla Soumia Bouhamidi says the first Eswatini-Morocco joint commission of cooperation will be held at ministerial level in Morocco.

Bouhamidi said it would be held on a date yet to be determined. “This will mark the official commencement of operationalisation on cooperation on the agreed sectors. The engagement between Eswatini and Morocco will further strengthen the existing cordial and fraternal relations in the spirit of south-south and triangular cooperation, contributing to mutual growth and economic development of two countries,” she said. Giving a backstory of the areas of cooperation, the head of delegation said in 2023, at least five sectors were identified to advance cooperation between Morocco and Eswatini. They included agriculture, health, industry and trade, tourism, sports, culture and youth development. She said this marked the first joint (Eswatini and Morocco) experts meeting that was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane. Bouhamidi said there were several areas where cooperation had been ongoing between the two kingdoms which had been subsequently enhanced by the opening of the embassy in 2022. Amongst a handful were the extension of scholarships for Eswatini students pursuing studies in Moroccan universities, technical and vocational learning.

She said the ongoing meeting which started yesterday until today dubbed the second joint experts meeting was aimed at deliberating on additional fields under justice, environmental affairs, and information, communication and technology.“Conclusion of the two experts’ meetings and agreement on sectoral areas will mark the final preparatory engagement of the seven sectors. These will build up to the first Eswatini-Morocco joint commission of cooperation to be held at ministerial level,” she said.

share story