EU, Eswatini government hold 1st Partnership Dialogue under Samoa Agreement
The Dialogue, held in Mbabane, 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, H.E. Dessislava Choumelova, co-chaired the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. 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 participated on the EU side, whilst the Government team included Cabinet Ministers; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Hon Dr Tambo Gina, the Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo 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.
Both parties agreed that the next Partnership Dialogue will take place in September 2025.