Eswatini, USA reaffirm relationship, to strengthen ties

MBABANE – Yesterday, Eswatini and the United States of America (USA) reaffirmed their diplomatic relations, and looked at further strengthening ties.

This came after the Acting Prime Minister Pholile Shakantu yesterday met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of African Affairs, Robert Scott.

The meeting was held at Cabinet offices in Mbabane. Shakantu was appointed the Acting Prime Minister following that the substantive MP Cleopas Sipho Dlamini is in the Republic of China (Taiwan) for a work visit on invitation by President Dr Tsai Ing wen.

The substantive DPM Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku is also outside the country for another work visit. He is away on official government business, participating at the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, USA, which started yesterday and shall end on March 17, 2023

He is expected to present a statement on the status quo of women and girl’s participation in technology and innovation, highlighting on policies, programmes and best practices in Eswatini.

According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, among other things, the two discussed areas of mutual cooperation between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the USA.

“Eswatini and the US have a long-standing relationship, from which the US supports Eswatini on a number of initiatives,” Mdluli said.

Mdluli mentioned that another official present during the meeting was the Charge D’Affairs of the United States Embassy in Eswatini, Earl Miller, Deputy Chief of Mission Caitlin Piper and Political Economic Officer John P. Jenks.

The Eswatini Government was represented by Secretary to Cabinet Victor Nxumalo, Acting Principal Secretary (PS) in the Private and Cabinet Office Nhlanhla Mnisi, PS in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sizwe Ntshangase and other senior government officials.

It is worth noting that Scott currently serves as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs, covering Peace and Security Affairs and Southern Africa.

He was previously the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Malawi from 2019-21. He has also served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary covering West Africa and Economic and Regional Affairs.

Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs.