Africa-Press – Eswatini. Botswana President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has confirmed his country’s strong ties with Eswatini after attending His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40/58 double celebrations held at Somhlolo National Stadium on Friday, 24 April 2026.
The annual celebrations marked King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and 40 years on the throne, commemorating four decades of leadership in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Speaking on his official Facebook page after the event, President Boko said it had been a privilege to join the monarch and the people of Eswatini during the historic occasion. “I had the privilege of joining His Majesty King Mswati III in celebrating his Ruby Jubilee, marking 40 years of dedicated leadership and his 58th birthday,” he said.
Enduring Friendship
President Boko said the milestone reflected a legacy of continuity, cultural pride and service to the people of Eswatini. He further extended warm congratulations to the King and reaffirmed Botswana’s enduring friendship and solidarity with the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Meeting Batswana in Eswatini
The Botswana leader also used the visit to meet citizens of Botswana residing in Eswatini, describing the engagement as both meaningful and encouraging. The meeting took place at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
“As I conclude my visit to Eswatini, I had the pleasure of meeting and engaging with Batswana living here, listening to their experiences, sharing in their pride, and reaffirming that they remain an integral part of our national family wherever they are,” he said.
Regional Cooperation
He praised their resilience and commitment, saying they continued to strengthen the bonds between Botswana and Eswatini.
President Boko added that he was leaving Eswatini inspired by their spirit and continued connection to home.
The visit by the Botswana Head of State was seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, highlighting the cordial and longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring Southern African nations.
Botswana and Eswatini have maintained warm bilateral relations over the years, with cooperation in areas such as trade, regional integration, governance and people-to-people exchanges.
President Boko’s attendance at the celebrations also underscored the importance of regional unity and mutual respect among leaders in the Southern African Development Community.
National Significance
Several dignitaries from within the region attended the national celebrations, which drew thousands of emaSwati to honour the King’s reign and birthday. The 40/58 celebrations remain one of Eswatini’s most important annual national events, combining cultural displays, military parades and messages of goodwill from visiting leaders.
For Botswana, the visit served as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations while recognising the historical and cultural significance of the occasion. For Eswatini, it reflected continued support and friendship from regional partners as the country marked a major royal milestone.
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