MBABANE – The European Union’s Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Patricia Llombart Cussac, has hailed Eswatini’s tourism attractions, culture and hospitality during a visit aimed at strengthening relations between the Kingdom and the EU.
Llombart Cussac, who is on an official visit to Eswatini, described her experience at Hlane Royal National Park as memorable and thanked emaSwati for their warm reception. “Visiting a country is not only about meetings and official engagements. It is also about discovering its beautiful places, its people, and its culture,” she stated. “Warm thanks to Hlane Royal National Park for a memorable visit, and to the people of Eswatini for your warm hospitality.”
Her remarks came as she concluded a series of high-level engagements with government leaders aimed at charting the future of cooperation between Eswatini and the European Union.
The visit coincides with the celebration of 50 years of partnership between Eswatini and the EU, a relationship that both parties say is anchored on mutual respect, shared priorities and sustainable development.
According to the Government of Eswatini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu met with Llombart Cussac, who was accompanied by the European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg.
Discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding cooperation between the Kingdom and the EU while exploring new opportunities aligned with Eswatini’s national development priorities. “Beginning my visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, eager for fruitful discussions ahead,” Llombart Cussac said at the start of her visit. “The EU values our longstanding partnership with Eswatini, built on shared priorities and mutual respect. Looking forward to reinforcing cooperation.”
Government said the engagements reflected the broad scope of the Eswatini-EU relationship, spanning diplomacy, trade, digital development and economic growth.
In separate meetings, Llombart Cussac engaged Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo and Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya.Trade discussions centred on expanding Eswatini’s access to European markets through existing trade arrangements while attracting more European investment into priority sectors of the economy.
Government said the talks also explored support for local industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through improved standards, quality infrastructure and enhanced export competitiveness.The meetings further highlighted several development initiatives currently supported by the EU in Eswatini.
On the digital front, discussions focused on strengthening digital infrastructure and connectivity, advancing e-governance and digital public services, and enhancing cybersecurity capacity.
Government noted that these priorities align with Eswatini’s digital transformation agenda as well as the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to support infrastructure and digital development across partner countries.
Llombart Cussac also held discussions with Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, where economic cooperation, investment and growth featured prominently.Reflecting on the outcomes of her engagements, the EU official described the meetings as productive and focused on “building the next chapter” of cooperation between Eswatini and the European Union.
She said discussions with the Prime Minister and ministers responsible for foreign affairs, finance, commerce and ICT had centred on advancing trade and investment, job creation and economic growth.
Government reiterated that Eswatini regards the European Union as a key development partner and values the bloc’s continued support in promoting sustainable development and shared prosperity.
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