Lobamba, Parliament Conference Room, 4 October, 2024
European Union Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini, His Excellency Karsten Mecklenburg, paid a courtesy call to the Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini and Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Jabulani Mabuza. In his remarks, H.E. Mecklenburg said that he was keen to learn Eswatini’s system of government which infuses culture and modernity, adding that the partnership between the EU and the Kingdom will continue thrive. He also stated that in the four weeks he has been in the country he has already had positive engagements with local entities, such as, Business Eswatini, and the Agricultural sector where discussions on possible funding for start-up businesses were among priority areas especially on energy. Futuristically, Ambassador Mecklenburg stated that the EU was looking into areas of social inclusion, the youth and primary education.
(L-R) Sen. President Lindiwe Dlamini, EU Ambassador H.E. Karsten Mecklenburg and Hon. Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza.
(L-R) Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini with Hon. Speaker Jabulani Mabuza taking notes as the EU Ambassador was making his remarks.
In response, the Senate President emphasized that Eswatini has a unique system of democracy which upholds cultural values blended with the modern which cannot be compromised, and is the reason why Emaswati are still united. She added that the main way of cooperation with the EU is bilateral. In turn, the Hon. Speaker lauded the EU for assisting agricultural projects such as, water harvesting. He then pleaded with the EU Ambassador to fast-track processes after agreements have been signed in order to help allay fears and mistrust from Emaswati as some projects end up taking longer than expected to be completed. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Political Counsellor to EU Mr. Jose Becerra Marta, while Clerk to Parliament Mr. Xaba was represented by his Deputy Ms. Zanele Gamedze.
(L)Political Counsellor to EU Mr. Jose Becerra Marta and Acting Clerk to Parliament Zanele Gamedze (far R), in a group photo with the Ambassador and Presiding Officers.