The European Union and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini held on 4 July 2024 their first Partnership Dialogue under the OACPS – EU Partnership Agreement (“the Samoa Agreement. The Dialogue, held in Mbabane, took place in a cordial, calm and constructive manner and covered international affairs, political and legislative matters; the rule of law, human rights and judicial matters; investment, business environment and development cooperation matters as well as climate change and greening the economy.

EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, co-chaired the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu.

The Ambassadors of Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Spain accredited to Eswatini from Pretoria and Maputo and senior diplomats representing Germany, Italy and Portugal also joined the EU side, whilst the Government team included two other Cabinet Ministers -  the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, the Attorney General, Sifiso Khumalo, Eswatini Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, and senior government officials.

The parties reiterated their commitments to the shared values of their partnership based on democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights as stipulated in the Samoa Agreement. The EU pledged its continued support to development initiatives in Eswatini. EU partnership with Eswatini for the period 2021 – 2027 focuses on one priority area - human development and social inclusion through skills and empowerment of youth and the most vulnerable.

In her closing remarks, Ambassador Choumelova emphasised the importance of upholding human rights, the rule of law and fighting corruption, a matter that will form part of next year’s dialogue in September 2025.