03/07/2026
Brussels, 2 July 2026 – His Excellency Ambassador Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu received Ms Carolina Cordeiro, Head of Division for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean at the European External Action Service (EEAS), on a courtesy call at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Brussels.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the strong and longstanding partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the European Union, following Ms Cordeiro’s recent visit to Eswatini alongside the EEAS Managing Director for Africa, Ms Patricia Llombart Cussac, and the European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, H.E. Mr Karsten Mecklenburg.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in line with Eswatini’s national development priorities. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in key areas including trade, investment, digital transformation, sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The meeting also explored opportunities for cooperation under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, with particular emphasis on rail infrastructure development as a catalyst for regional integration, trade facilitation and economic growth. Discussions highlighted the importance of modern, efficient and resilient transport corridors to enhance Eswatini’s connectivity with regional and international markets.
The Ambassador and Ms Cordeiro further exchanged views on the ongoing restructuring of the European Union Delegation in Eswatini, including the planned downscaling of the Mission and the transfer of its operations to Pretoria, South Africa. Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining strong engagement and effective cooperation despite the administrative changes.
Regional and multilateral matters also featured prominently during the discussions. The European Union acknowledged the important leadership role of His Majesty King Mswati III as the OACPS Champion for Resource Mobilisation.
The parties also discussed progress towards the ratification of the SAMOA Agreement, which provides the new framework for cooperation between the European Union and the member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
In addition, the meeting reflected on Eswatini’s successful hosting of two landmark international parliamentary meetings in Ezulwini earlier this year: the OACPS Africa Regional Parliamentary Assembly held from 7–11 May 2026, followed by the inaugural Africa–European Union Parliamentary Assembly from 12–14 May 2026. These events reaffirmed Eswatini’s growing role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between Africa and the European Union.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the European Union in support of sustainable economic growth, inclusive development and shared prosperity.
