EZULWINI- The United Kingdom wants more emaSwati visiting, studying and doing business there as it seeks to deepen people-to-people relations with Eswatini.
British High Commissioner to Eswatini Colin Wells said this during the celebration marking the 78th birthday of King Charles III at his residence at Royal Villas, Ezulwini on Thursday afternoon.
The event was attended by government ministers, British nationals residing in Eswatini, visitors from the UK and emaSwati from different walks of life. Guests were treated to drinks, music and an address by the Commissioner, who outlined Britain’s priorities in strengthening bilateral relations.
Relations
Wells said people-to-people relations should extend beyond diplomatic and political engagements, expressing his desire to see more emaSwati travelling to Britain as tourists, students and businesspeople.
He identified education as one of the established avenues through which the two countries could strengthen these connections, highlighting the Chevening scholarship programme, which annually sponsors between three and four emaSwati to pursue master’s degrees at British universities.
The scholarships are fully funded and allow successful applicants to study at institutions including the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Exeter.
According to Wells, beneficiaries are expected to return home and contribute to Eswatini’s development after completing their studies.
He cited Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Mvuselelo Fakudze, who attended the celebration, as an example of a former Chevening scholar who had returned and assumed a senior leadership position.
The Commissioner also recognised diplomat Zandile Dlamini, another Chevening scholar, who was recently appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III as Ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia.
“These talented individuals come back and contribute to this beautiful kingdom,” Wells said.
Appreciation
He further expressed appreciation for British tourists visiting Eswatini, saying he wanted to see more emaSwati reciprocate by exploring Britain.
The push for stronger people-to-people relations forms part of two broad priorities guiding Britain’s engagement with Eswatini, the other being the development of trade between the countries.
Wells said the British High Commission was also supporting British companies interested in investing in Eswatini while encouraging local businesses to consider the UK as an export destination.
He disclosed that the two countries had maintained open channels of communication, including discussions on investment opportunities, international conflicts, corruption and human rights.
The Commissioner said the British government wanted to see strong bilateral relations continue, adding that the country’s engagement with Eswatini was underpinned by longstanding cultural and human connections.
