Ezulwini – The Kingdom of Eswatini has successfully hosted the first-ever OACPS-EU Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly, which ran from 7 to 14 May 2026 at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed gratitude to all delegates, partners, dignitaries, and staff who took part in the historic gathering, singling out His Majesty King Mswati III for hosting the delegates and creating an environment of unity between OACPS and European Union member states.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu praised the Kingdom’s representation at the Assembly, saying, “I wish to commend His Royal Highness Prince Lindani for his dignified representation of Eswatini at the Assembly. His presence not only showcased our nation’s values but also strengthened our diplomatic ties within the international community.” 
Shakantu also acknowledged the leadership of Senate President Senator Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini and Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Jabulani Mabuza, saying their hosting of the event “fostered a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and collaboration.”
Local participants who took part in the youth, women, and minerals segments of the Assembly were also commended for representing “both our country and the broader region with distinction.”
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Shakantu met with local creatives who had been scheduled to participate in a business forum on unlocking the potential of culture and creative industries in Africa-EU relations. The forum was postponed after the programme ran over time, but the minister said the interactions were still valuable.
“We collectively decided to arrange a local session aimed at exploring how the creative sector can be further developed in Eswatini,” Shakantu said, adding that this move reflects the government’s commitment to promoting cultural industries as part of economic growth and international engagement.
Shakantu thanked the Assembly’s co-chairs for steering the sessions, saying, “I particularly appreciate Ms. Hilde Vautmans, Europe Co-President, for her exemplary leadership, and Ms. Annalisa Gliubizzi, Acting Secretary General in Europe, for ensuring the Assembly’s smooth and productive operation.”
On the OACPS side, she commended Hon. David Houinsa for his chairmanship and expressed appreciation to OACPS Secretary General His Excellency Moussa Batraki for his commitment to the OACPS-EU partnership.
“The OACPS-EU partnership remains one of the most significant multilateral alliances in global diplomacy. Both Europe and Africa view the world through different lenses, yet we share a common interest in developing our economies and improving living standards for our people,” Shakantu said.
The minister said she looks forward to the forthcoming Council of Ministers meeting, where outcomes from the Assembly will be taken up to align strategies and develop actionable plans for OACPS and European member states.
