MBABANE – The newly designated ambassadors of Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pledged to strengthen cooperation and deepen bilateral relations with Eswatini.
This was after presenting their letters of credence to His Majesty King Mswati III at Lozitha Palace.
His Majesty received the credentials of Switzerland’s Ambassador-designate, Mirko Manzoni, and the UAE’s Ambassador-designate, Mansour Mohamed Ali Alijuwaied, and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to working with both countries in a cordial and mutually beneficial manner.
During the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Manzoni highlighted Switzerland’s longstanding partnership with Eswatini and its continued support for the country’s development efforts.
He said Switzerland had remained a partner in Eswatini’s sustained development through ongoing cooperation that had strengthened friendly relations between the two countries.
“In the past years, Switzerland supported projects to fight gender-based violence and promote vocational education,” said Manzoni.
The Swiss envoy also pointed to opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. He said Eswatini had the potential to attract more Swiss tourists, noting that the number of Swiss visitors travelling to Southern Africa was growing.
“In economic terms, our relations bear some potential. Your beautiful country has a great opportunity for Swiss tourists whose numbers are growing in Southern Africa,” he said.
Manzoni further proposed renewed engagement on trade matters through discussions around a Free Trade Agreement involving the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member.
“One could also resume the negotiations around the Free Trade Agreement between SACU and the European Free Trade Association. This could be better used to increase the volume of our bilateral trade,” he said.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of dialogue and consensus in fostering peaceful relations and sustainable development. “Our two countries are peaceful ones. Switzerland was built on consensus, and dialogue is key to understand each other and work together towards a sustainable future,” he said.
Meanwhile, UAE Ambassador-designate Mansour Mohamed Ali Alijuwaied reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening its friendship and cooperation with Eswatini. He welcomed recent developments in bilateral relations, particularly the signing of a memorandum of understanding on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
“The UAE attaches great importance to its friendship and cooperation with Eswatini. I am encouraged by the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports, which marks an important milestone,” he said.
Alijuwaied pledged to work towards expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest and ensuring that relations between the two countries continue to grow.
“I will dedicate my utmost efforts to further strengthening our bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our two countries and people,” he said.
The envoy expressed confidence that ties between Eswatini and the UAE would continue to flourish under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He also thanked the Kingdom for the confidence placed in him and pledged to spare no effort in advancing relations between the two nations.
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me and assure Your Majesty that I shall spare no effort in further strengthening the excellent relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
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