Eswatini Reiterates its ‘Unwavering’ Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Thulisile Dladla, reiterated Wednesday the “constant and unwavering” support of his country to the territorial integrity of Morocco. During a videoconference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, the Eswatinian minister praised the efforts made by Morocco for a political solution to this regional dispute. She further reaffirmed the relevance of Decision 693 of the July 2018 Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which enshrined the exclusivity of the UN as the framework for the search for a solution to the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad. Dladla also commended the considerable progress of Morocco in various fields, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as the commitment of the Kingdom to peace, stability and development in Africa. On this occasion, she presented the sincere thanks of her country for the Royal aids in support of their efforts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. For his part, Bourita welcomed the bold initiatives of His Majesty King Mswati III to give new impetus to the socio-economic development of his country, and praised the efforts undertaken to promote the emergence of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a key player in southern Africa. He said that Morocco is willing to share its expertise and know-how with Eswatini in socio-economic, human and cultural development. During this meeting, which was held within the framework of the relations of friendship and brotherhood that unite the Kingdoms of Morocco and Eswatini, and in accordance with the will of both countries to further strengthen their cooperation ties, the two ministers highlighted the importance of consultation between the two countries within international bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the UN. They also agreed to task their permanent representatives in New York, Geneva and the African Union to coordinate their actions on issues of common concern. The two officials also commended the opening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Rabat and its Consulate General in Laayoune, in October 2020. Bourita and Dladla agreed to hold the first session of the Moroccan-Eswatinian Joint Cooperation Commission in Rabat, once the global health situation allows it, on a date to be determined by mutual agreement. The two parties have committed to intensify and diversify their cooperation in all promising sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, training, health and education. They also expressed their firm commitment to boost economic cooperation by strengthening the legal framework in the areas of trade and investment. Dladla emphasized her support for Morocco’s candidacy for the position of African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as for the post of non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2028-2029), the Human Rights Council (2023-2025), and the position of President of the International Civil Service Commission (2023-2026).