Mbabane – Acting Prime Minister Dr Thambo Gina and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu received the Co-President of the Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Ms Hilde Vautmans, on Monday in Mbabane.
Discussions during the meeting focused on improving and strengthening cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union for the development of Eswatini. Dr Gina expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the continued support provided by the EU across a variety of sectors that contribute to national growth.
Ms Vautmans commended the Kingdom for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality, saying she wished she had more time to tour the country and experience its culture. 
Her visit forms part of the 1st Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly currently taking place in Eswatini, a continental platform bringing together leaders and policymakers to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Africa and Europe. The assembly is expected to conclude on 14 May 2026.
