MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has returned home through the King Mswati III International Airport following a series of high-level international engagements in Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he represented the Kingdom of Eswatini on matters of global development, diplomacy and economic cooperation.
The King, who was accompanied by Inkhosikati LaMashwama during the international trip, arrived back in the country after attending the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Azerbaijan before proceeding on an official State visit to the UAE, where he held bilateral meetings with senior leaders and government officials aimed at strengthening relations between Eswatini and the Gulf nation.
Upon arrival at King Mswati III International Airport, His Majesty and Inkhosikati LaMashwama were welcomed by senior government officials, members of the security forces and other dignitaries who had gathered to receive the royal delegation following the international engagements.
The visit to Azerbaijan saw His Majesty joining world leaders, policymakers, urban planners and development partners during the WUF, a global platform that focuses on sustainable urban development and the future of cities. The forum brought together countries from across the world to discuss challenges affecting urban communities, including housing shortages, climate change, infrastructure development, transport systems and economic inclusion.
During the engagements, discussions reportedly centred on the need for countries to build resilient and inclusive cities capable of responding to rapid urbanisation and population growth. The forum also explored ways of improving living standards in urban communities while ensuring sustainable environmental practices. Eswatini’s participation at the global gathering was viewed as an opportunity for the country to engage with international partners on issues linked to urban planning, housing and infrastructure development, which remain critical components of national development.
Following the Azerbaijan engagement, His Majesty travelled to the UAE for an official State visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. During the visit, the King is understood to have held meetings with UAE leaders and investors as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, energy and infrastructure development.
The UAE has in recent years emerged as one of the world’s leading economic hubs, attracting investment and partnerships from countries across different regions. Analysts have noted that Eswatini’s engagement with the Gulf State presents opportunities for collaboration in sectors that could contribute towards economic growth and employment creation in Eswatini.
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