EU, Eswatini successfully conclude 2nd Partnership Dialogue
The Dialogue was held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini, co-chaired by the Honourable Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and H.E. Karsten Mecklenburg, EU Ambassador to Eswatini. The presence of several EU Member State Ambassadors accredited to Eswatini underlined the comprehensive Team Europe approach to this vital partnership.
Key Outcomes and Areas of Cooperation
Discussions were held in a spirit of constructive engagement, building upon the foundational framework of the OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement (Samoa Agreement), touching upon several of its priority areas for cooperation, including governance, human rights and democracy; peace and security; human and social development; inclusive sustainable economic growth; environmental sustainability and climate change. The agenda was comprehensive, ensuring alignment with Eswatini's national development priorities and the Government’s Programme of Action.
Regional and International Context: Both sides discussed the current challenges to peace and security in many parts of the world and reiterated their commitment to defending effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
Economic, Trade, and Investment: Both sides committed to fostering stronger trade and investment ties, aiming to further unlock inclusive growth and job creation, leveraging the full potential of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement as well as the EU’s current cooperation priority in Eswatini on market-driven skills development and youth empowerment, in addition to numerous ongoing bilateral and regional programs. The partners discussed future potential opportunities under the EU's Global Gateway strategy as well as bilateral cooperation, including to explore possibilities to mobilize financing for quality infrastructure projects in the digital, energy, and transport sectors.
Good Governance, Rule of Law and Fundamental Freedoms: Marking the 20th anniversary of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the parties welcomed the numerous advancements on its implementation and application, while acknowledging the need to continue relevant legislative work. Options to provide additional assistance, support and expert advice were discussed, including possibly institutional capacity-building and the strengthening of the rule of law. The parties referred with appreciation to past successful examples of peer-to-peer expert exchange in other policy areas and suggested the use of instruments like TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) also in this policy area.
Sustainable Development and Climate Action: A shared commitment was renewed to tackle the global challenge of climate change and advance the transition to sustainable energy solutions for a more resilient future.
Looking Ahead
The Partnership Dialogue is a key mechanism, under the Samoa Agreement, for deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of both parties. Both Eswatini and the European Union expressed confidence that these open exchanges will accelerate concrete, impactful action, ultimately supporting the Kingdom's drive toward realizing the national vision of attaining first world status through sustained and inclusive growth.
The next Partnership Dialogue will be held in 2026 on a date to be mutually agreed upon.
