Diplomacy

MBABANE -The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, today received the United Kingdom Special Envoy to the Commonwealth, John Virgeo.

The Special Envoy was introduced by the United Kingdom High Commissioner, Colin Wells.

Discussions focused on identifying and refining Eswatini's key priorities within the Commonwealth framework, particularly in advancing sustainable development, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening resilience to climate change. The meeting also explored avenues for deepening cooperation between Eswatini and the United Kingdom, including alignment on the country's priorities within the Commonwealth and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026, scheduled to take place in November in Antigua and Barbuda.

In addition, the parties exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration to be highlighted during CHOGM 2026. Consideration was also given to the importance of leveraging the platform to attract strategic partnerships and investment into priority sectors of Eswatini's economy.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Eswatini and the United Kingdom, and underscored the shared commitment to advancing common values and objectives within the Commonwealth.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, today received the United Kingdom Special Envoy to the Commonwealth, John Virgeo.