Ezulwini – King’s Representative Prince Guduza has described the United States as a close and enduring partner of Eswatini, saying the two countries have walked side by side for more than half a century and intend to continue doing so.
Prince Guduza delivered remarks at the United States Embassy’s Independence Day reception in Ezulwini on Thursday, representing His Majesty King Mswati III at the event marking 250 years of American independence.
“I have been commanded by His Majesty King Mswati III, Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini, to represent him on this 250th anniversary of the American Independence Day,” Prince Guduza said. 
He opened by congratulating the United States on the milestone. “Let me begin by congratulating our dear friends, the United States of America for achieving such a great milestone. This is a great day indeed and we salute the founders of this nation. The sacrifice they made is highly appreciated by all Americans,” he said.
Prince Guduza said the Freedom 250 theme chosen for this year’s celebration carried three meaningful invitations: to look back with pride, to look around with gratitude, and to look forward with confidence. He said Eswatini could identify with all three.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini has benefited immensely from our friends. So when we celebrate such a milestone, we feel we are part of the celebrations,” he said.
Reflecting on the practical dimensions of the partnership, Prince Guduza pointed to American science as a critical lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic. “When the world faced an unprecedented health emergency in Covid-19, it was American science that produced safe and effective vaccines in record time and Eswatini was among the nations that benefited directly from that achievement,” he said.
He also welcomed the new bilateral health agreement signed between the two governments, which will see the United States provide $205 million over five years, and noted Eswatini’s position among the first countries in the world to receive lenacapavir, the American-made HIV prevention drug showing nearly 100 percent efficacy.
“We wish to call upon Emaswati to take advantage of these meaningful interventions and ensure that we stay on top and not lose on the gains achieved in our fight against HIV and AIDS and other non-communicable diseases,” Prince Guduza said.
He paid tribute to the people-to-people programmes that have shaped the relationship over decades, citing the Fulbright programme, the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Pan-African Youth Leadership Program as initiatives that have sent Emaswati to the United States and returned them home with new skills and ambitions.
Prince Guduza also marked 50 years of the Peace Corps in Eswatini, acknowledging the generations of American volunteers who have worked alongside Emaswati in schools, clinics and communities. “We take a moment to celebrate Peace Corps in Eswatini, a programme that has placed generations of young Americans alongside Emaswati in many of our communities where they have blended and became a part of us,” he said.
He closed with a firm expression of Eswatini’s commitment to the relationship going forward. “As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the Kingdom of Eswatini stands not merely as a guest at this commemoration but as a genuine partner. We have walked beside you for more than half a century of our history and we intend to walk beside you through whatever comes next,” Prince Guduza said.
He called on guests to raise a toast to the health and long life of the United States President, the continued peace and prosperity of the American people, and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
