BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini calls upon all African countries to take strong political decisions if they want to fast track the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Dlamini said this yesterday during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to information he updated on his Facebook page, the Prime Minister was making submissions on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III and the entire nation of Emaswati on a number of issues, including climate change and trade.
“On trade, Eswatini submitted that there is need for Africa to take pragmatic and strong political decisions that will advance and fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA. This, however, should be done taking into cognizance that legitimate policy objectives in building the Africa we want are not compromised,” Dlamini said.
Eswatini reflected on the report of the Heads of State and Government Committee on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), presented by His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya. Interventions were also made on the report of the Council of Ministers of Trade.
On Climate Change, Dlamini said Eswatini submitted that Africa could rise to the challenge of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. This, however, would require Africans to redouble their efforts and work together towards a world where the planet and people would thrive in harmony.
Dlamini noted that many of the African countries, including Eswatini, were still richly endowed with fossil fuel resources that could be utilised to generate energy, which was a pivotal aspect needed for economic growth.
The Prime Minister left the country for Ethiopia on Thirsday morning through King Mswati III International Airport. He arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on Thursday evening. While in Ethiopia, Dlamini the privilege to visit the Ethiopian Airlines. He visited the company together with his delegation. After visiting the company, the PM took to his Facebook page to state how he was inspired.
Upon being visiting the Ethiopian Airlines Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the PM and his delegation were received by CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele. “We were pleased to learn about the operations and structure of this proudly African organisation, which is 100 percent owned by the Government of Ethiopia, with revenue running into billions of Dollars. They have more than 100 aircraft and employ 17 000 people,” the Prime Minister said.
He said Ethiopian Airlines owned one of the largest hotels in Africa, boasting over 1 100 rooms, which complements their revenue. “They also run a state-of-the-art aviation university. Ethiopian Airlines is a story of great inspiration not just to Eswatini but to the whole of Africa,” Dlamini said.
The Prime Minister also had an opportunity to visit the Eswatini Embassy to the AU and met Emaswati working at the AU. Before that event, Dlamini met with President of Zambia His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema on the sidelines of the Ordinary Session. Zambia, being a Member of SADC, has a special relationship with Eswatini. He did not get into the details of the meeting.
The Premier also had the honour of joining other African leaders, on behalf of the King and the Nation, during the unveiling of the statue of former President of Tanzania His Excellency Julius Nyerere by President Hakainde in his capacity as SADC Chairperson. According to Dlamini, President Nyerere is remembered for many things, amongst which is his legacy on education, equality, freedom and unity.
On Friday evening, I had the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ethiopia, His Excellency Evgeny Terekhin, wherein they discussed issues of interest, especially since Russia has had a 25-year fruitful relationship with Eswatini. “Eswatini is strategically located and must therefore take advantage of this through building strategic relationships and thus standing tall in the global arena,” Dlamini said. The Prime Minister is expected back in the country today via Ngwenya/Oshoek Border Post.
