… During the meet with SADC Executive Secretary
… Says work will be put in to retain peace and stability in the region
… Eswatini to play a part in assisting Mozambique from COVID-19 aftermath
STORIES BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
LUDZIDZINI- The aim is to make Southern African Development Community (SADC) one of the strongest regions.
This was revealed yesterday afternoon by His Majesty King Mswati III during his address at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence after meeting the SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Mpedi Mogosi and his delegates.
Also present during the meet was the Prime Minister, His Excellency Cleopas Dlamini, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thuli Dladla and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Pholile Shakantu.
His Excellency Mogosi came into office as the SADC Executive Secretary on September 1, 2021.
The King said the vision of the Executive Secretary, with regards to diverse issues, would make the SADC Region of the strongest.
“Our wish is to see the SADC region shaped and this will propel us to implement what we learnt and shared with the SADC Executive Secretary delegation.
“We commend the secretariat on the interesting programmes they revealed to us. COVID-19 is one pandemic that has caused a lot of stress and we need to find answers to move forward,” said His Majesty.
The King went on to say he was happy on the discussions with the delegation, saying they (SADC Delegation) shared their vision which would strengthen the country’s and region’s economy. “Already, there are talks on AU (African Union) Free-Trade-Area, which would create employment and linkages.
“The are obvious signs that COVID-19 is subsiding and getting back to normal- meaning we should get down to serious business,” said the King.
His Majesty King Mswati III stated that businesses were shutdown during the COVID-19 crisis and it was high time the region used its resources to boost the different economies.
“We need to learn to use and rely on our own resources in the region. This, however, does not mean that we would not appreciate assistance from outside communities.
“We could use all the help we could get from external institutions and boost our economies,” the King said.
His Majesty also said there was not enough trade within our region and that had to change, saying trade within Africa should be carried out effectively.
“Any development is important. We should be able to share a lot of ideas and experience among ourselves,” said the King.
KING, SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ENCOURAGE LIVING IN PEACE AND STABILITY
LUDZIDZINI- “Peace and stability are pivotal for prosperity.”
These were the sentiments shared by the Eswatini Head of State, His Majesty King Mswati III and the SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Mogosi yesterday during their meet at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The King said they were seeing a lot of conflict in the world and because of this, their priority was to come up with strategies to retain peace and stability in the region.
“There are a lot of issues but we will make a difference with the secretariat’s vision, especially in the SADC Region and make the region one for the strongest,” said the Eswatini Head of State.
His Majesty the King also said he was pleased and happy to learn of the vision and to meet the team- who shared their ideas with Eswatini- wishing them a happy stay.
His Exellency Mogosi, the SADC Executive Secretary, said it was fundamental for Eswatini to retain its security and peace.
“This is one of the regions that has been known for peace for many years. This should be protected and nurtured,” he said.
In his address, His Excellency also said their wish was to create opportunity as they continues visiting the region and the fact that Eswatini had Vision 2022 was a blueprint of potential and success in the country.
“We came here to seek guidance and counsel and it is encouraging to see development.
“Eswatini is an important member State with a good standing,” said Mogosi.
The SADC Executive Secretary also detailed that COVID-19 had taken a toll in every country, including Eswatini.
“Despite the impact of COVID-19, Eswatini has taken a responsibility in playing a part in assisting Mozambique and the support of the country will be needed on this regard,” he said.
