….delegation felt at home while in the country
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The Russian delegation of over 80 mentioned that Eswatini was an honorable and peaceful country.
This was specifically said by Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement for emaSwati diplomatic and service passport holders’ event that took place yesterday at the Cabinet offices.
Signing the agreement on behalf of the two countries has been Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thulisile Dladla and Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Russian Minister said since they flew into the country they had been afforded nothing but good hospitality coupled with an admirable display of respect.
He further mentioned that despite everything that was going on the Kingdom of Eswatini was a peaceful country and they saw this the moment they landed in the beautiful Kingdom.
“Eswatini is very peaceful, from the airport to the hotel we could feel the honorable dignity this country has,” he said.
His sentiments were later echoed by the journalists who were in the company of the delegation and said they really did feel at home.
Svyatoslav Beketov a columnist and commentator from Russia said she felt at home and would love to come back for a personal visit and explore other places in Eswatini.
Interviewed after the visit of the Russian team, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati said Government sometimes rely on tourism for a big percentage of their revenue invest a lot in the infrastructure of the country.
Vilakati said the visit by the Russian team also contributed to the country‘s tourism which is vital for the success of many economies around the world.
“There are several benefits of tourism on host destinations. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens,” he said when expanding his point about the visit.
In addition, he said now the Russians stood a chance of marketing Eswatini and they want more and more tourists to visit the country which means that safe and advanced facilities are necessary.
“This leads to new roads and highways, developed parks, improved public spaces, new airports, and possibly better schools and hospitals. Safe and innovative infrastructures allow for a smooth flow of goods and services. Moreover, local people experience an opportunity for economic and educational growth,” he said.
In addition to that Minister Vilakati explained that the visit by the Russian delegation allowed tourism to create a cultural exchange between Russians and local citizens. “Exhibitions, conferences, and events usually attract foreigners. Organizing authorities usually gain profits from registration fees, gift sales, exhibition spaces, and sales of media copyright. Furthermore, foreign tourists bring diversity and cultural enrichment to the hosting country,” he said.
