Ashgabat – The Kingdom of Eswatini and Turkmenistan have opened official talks aimed at ending the current zero trade status between the two countries.
Senior officials from both nations met on Wednesday for discussions steered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The goal is to establish a bilateral partnership that could unlock opportunities in economic growth and technological advancement.
Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu led the Eswatini delegation and identified several sectors ripe for collaboration. These include ICT, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. 
She was joined by ICT Minister Savannah Maziya, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, and Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe. The talks also involved Ambassador to the United Nations Thami Dlamini and King’s Office Chief Officer Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze.
Eswatini expressed interest in working with Turkmenistan on satellite and space technologies, data centres, and the production of advanced electronics like SIM cards and smart devices.
The foreign ministry will now lead the next steps, including formal communication to lay the groundwork for a cooperation agreement.
