Foreign Affairs Minister meets with American Jewish Community

New York, USA – Eswatini strengthened relations with the global Jewish community at a meeting here on Thursday.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu represented the country. She described her meeting with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) as a major milestone in strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the kingdom and the global Jewish community. AJC Chairman Michael Feldstein and AJC Africa Institute Director Wayne Sussman welcomed Minister Shakantu. The non-partisan global advocacy organisation has worked on issues affecting Jewish people for more than 120 years.

 The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and deepen understanding between Eswatini and the AJC.

Feldstein thanked Minister Shakantu for meeting the AJC and emphasised the importance of continued engagement with Eswatini, including opportunities for closer economic cooperation.  Minister Shakantu said Eswatini valued partnerships that built stronger connections and created practical opportunities for cooperation. Agriculture, technology, health and commerce were identified as potential areas for collaboration, alongside continued dialogue.

Eswatini and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1968. The meeting reflected the kingdom’s broader engagement with the global Jewish community and its interest in developing constructive relationships based on mutual understanding.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, which His Majesty the King attended and addressed on Wednesday afternoon. In his address, the King emphasised, among other issues, the importance of dialogue and cooperation for the greater good of nations.