By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2024-11-11

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu reinforced the country’s diplomatic and strategic ties with Russia through a high-profile meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Held on the sidelines of the inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum in Sochi, the meeting, according to the minister, underscored the ongoing cooperation between the two countries as they commemorate 25 years of formal diplomatic relations.

Accompanying Minister Shakantu at the two-day ministerial conference attended by government and business leaders from Russia and Africa is Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko. During the engagement, Shakantu and Lavrov expressed the countries’ shared commitment to enhancing collaborative efforts in sectors critical to national and regional development.

They also celebrated the achievements of the past quarter-century diplomatic bond, acknowledging the positive impact of their collaboration in fostering economic growth and educational exchange.

“This landmark year is a testament to the resilience of our partnership and we are committed to expanding our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our people,” said Shakantu, emphasising the kingdom’s focus on sustainable development and the importance of alliances with global partners to support these aspirations.

The ministers also explored specific areas where both countries could further their shared objective, particularly the agricultural sector, where Eswatini aims to harness Russia’s advanced agricultural technologies to strengthen food security.

In addition to agriculture and technology, they discussed educational exchange programmes aimed at equipping the country’s youth with skills in science and technology.

These initiatives, according to Shakantu, are intended to support the country’s goal of building a knowledge-driven economy.

“Educational programmes and scholarships facilitated by Russian institutions have played an essential role in advancing the skills of young professionals from Eswatini,” she said, calling to attention how Russia’s expertise in scientific research and technological innovation provides promising pathways for the country to advance its agenda of economic diversification and youth empowerment.

Notable
The diplomatic bond between Eswatini and the Russian Federation, established in November 1999, has witnessed a notable strengthening in recent months through high-profile visits and significant diplomatic exchanges. 

In March, Lavrov met His Majesty King Mswati III on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in Türkiye, where discussions centred on expanding cooperation across a range of areas, setting the tone for further collaboration.

This meeting followed Lavrov’s visit to the country last year, during which he emphasised Russia’s commitment to supporting the country’s development goals across various sectors when paying a courtesy visit to then Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini.

Making his remarks at Hospital Hill, Lavrov made a case that closer tourism links could foster unique cultural and economic exchanges, benefitting both nations by tapping into the country’s vibrant heritage and Russia’s robust tourism infrastructure.

He described Eswatini and Russia’s bilateral ties as ‘friendly and promising’, praising the two countries’ shared vision and strong foundations underpinning this relationship. Lavrov further stated that the strategic partnership would continue to prioritise areas such as economic cooperation and security, with a forward-looking agenda set to bring tangible benefits to both Eswatini and Russia.

This focus on mutual advancement, he said, reinforced the resilience of the Eswatini-Russia relationship, fostering collaborative growth that aligned with the aspirations of both nations.

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