His Majesty King Mswati III has made two key appointments to strengthen Eswatini's international presence. Prince Baya Chakazane Mmiseni Dlamini and Ms Zandile Debra Dhlamini have been appointed as Ambassador Designates to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, respectively. The appointments were announced by Acting Prime Minister, Senator Thulisile Dladla, on Thursday.
Prince Baya, previously Deputy Director of Royal Protocol in the King’s Office, has been appointed Ambassador Designate to Saudi Arabia. In his new role, he will focus on deepening relations between the two monarchies, promoting trade and investment, and exploring cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure development, and tourism. This posting is expected to further strengthen the longstanding relations between Eswatini and Saudi Arabia.
Ms Zandile Dhlamini, formerly Legal Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has been appointed Ambassador Designate to Ethiopia. She will also serve as Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), both headquartered in Addis Ababa. Her responsibilities will include advancing bilateral relations between Eswatini and Ethiopia, representing the Kingdom's interests within the AU and UNECA, and promoting Eswatini's engagement in continental initiatives.
The appointments reflect the Government's efforts to enhance Eswatini's standing on the international stage. Both ambassadors will present their Letters of Credence to the respective receiving authorities, in line with established diplomatic protocol. The Government has congratulated the two appointees and wished them well as they take up their new responsibilities in advancing the Kingdom's national interests and strengthening relations with the international community.
The postings are significant, with Prince Baya expected to build on existing ties between Eswatini and Saudi Arabia, while Ms Dhlamini will play a key role in promoting Eswatini's engagement in continental initiatives dealing with regional integration, peace and security, sustainable development, and economic cooperation. Addis Ababa, where Ms Dhlamini will be based, is considered the diplomatic capital of Africa.
The appointments take immediate effect, and the Government is confident that the two ambassadors will effectively represent Eswatini's interests abroad. The move is part of the Kingdom's efforts to maintain and strengthen cordial ties with other nations and international organizations.
The new ambassadors' success will be crucial in advancing Eswatini's national interests and promoting its engagement in global affairs. Their appointments demonstrate the Kingdom's commitment to active participation in international diplomacy and cooperation.
Key points
- The appointments of Prince Baya and Zandile Dhlamini aim to strengthen Eswatini's international presence.
- Prince Baya will focus on deepening relations with Saudi Arabia, while Ms Dhlamini will promote Eswatini's engagement in continental initiatives.
- The appointments take immediate effect, reflecting the Government's efforts to enhance Eswatini's standing on the international stage.
