Ezulwini – Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu has called on the country’s ambassadors to move beyond ceremonial representation and actively drive national development through purposeful diplomacy.
Shakantu made the remarks on Wednesday at the Consultative Programme for Ambassadors held at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, an engagement convened under the theme “Aligning Eswatini’s Diplomatic Missions with Government Development Priorities while strengthening governance, compliance, and institutional effectiveness.”
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini was also present at the gathering. 
“The international system continues to evolve in ways that demand agility, foresight, and strategic clarity,” Shakantu told the assembled heads of mission and senior government officials. “We are witnessing shifting geopolitical alignments, increased competition for influence, and growing pressure on multilateral systems. In such a context, diplomacy can no longer be routine. It must be purposeful, coordinated, and firmly anchored in national priorities.”
The minister said the country’s diplomatic missions must actively support national development, facilitate investment and trade, strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and safeguard the interests of the Kingdom.
Shakantu also drew attention to the recently opened Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre, inaugurated by His Majesty King Mswati III, describing it as a symbol of Eswatini’s ambition to become a premier destination for high-level international engagements.
“This new venue showcased Eswatini’s readiness to embrace a transformative chapter, positioning us as a premier destination for diplomacy and business exchanges,” she said. “It signifies our commitment to facilitate international events and foster meaningful relationships on the global stage.”
She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to keeping the Convention Centre active through intentional conference diplomacy and a coordinated government outreach strategy to connect with stakeholders worldwide.
Shakantu told the Prime Minister that the consultative platform was both timely and necessary, saying the ministry was ready to hear about the Grand Plan and government’s development priorities.
