Africa-Press – Eswatini. Job creation and strengthened bilateral cooperation topped the agenda on Thursday, November 13, 2025, as His Majesty King Mswati III received letters of credence from newly accredited ambassadors representing the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, and the Czech Republic.
The ceremony, held at Lozitha Palace, marked a significant step towards expanding Eswatini’s international relations and fostering economic partnerships that could create new employment opportunities for EmaSwati.
His Majesty warmly welcomed the envoys – His Excellency Kang Bokwon of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Noralyn Jubaira Baja of the Republic of the Philippines, and His Excellency Tomáš Uličný of the Czech Republic. He expressed optimism that their accreditation would usher in a new era of cooperation between Eswatini and their respective countries.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Liqoqo Chairman Paul Dlamini, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, and senior government officials, including heads of the country’s security forces and representatives from the King’s Office.
Addressing the diplomats, His Majesty the King said Eswatini looked forward to working closely with all three nations to advance shared goals of development, innovation, and employment creation. He said the Kingdom remained open for investment and encouraged businesses from the three countries to consider Eswatini as a strategic destination for trade and industry.
The King also urged local entrepreneurs to seek opportunities for collaboration with international partners, noting that mutual trade and investment would benefit both Eswatini and its global partners.
Earlier in the ceremony, the newly accredited ambassadors expressed their countries’ commitment to deepening relations with Eswatini.
Ambassador Kang Bokwon of the Republic of Korea highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, established in 1968. He said Korea valued Eswatini’s participation in the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit held in Seoul, describing it as a milestone in bilateral relations. He added that Korea was supporting Eswatini through various development programmes, including training initiatives in agricultural productivity and food security.
Bokwon revealed that Korea had donated ambulances, IT equipment, and other government support items to Eswatini in recent years and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to health cooperation. He also requested Eswatini’s support for Korea’s candidate in the 2026 International Court of Justice election.
Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja of the Republic of the Philippines expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to her and reaffirmed the Philippines’ desire to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Eswatini. She commended the government for accommodating more than 250 Filipinos living and working in the Kingdom, describing them as contributors to Eswatini’s development. She pledged to elevate bilateral cooperation, particularly through human resource development and migration policy support.
Ambassador Tomáš Uličný of the Czech Republic said his country was eager to renew its historical partnership with Africa, grounded in mutual respect and equality. He outlined potential areas of collaboration, including energy, agriculture, water management, and tourism, which he said could generate jobs and enhance Eswatini’s economic resilience. Uličný also expressed interest in establishing an Honorary Consulate in Eswatini to strengthen bilateral engagement.
In closing, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the ambassadors’ commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation with Eswatini. He said the Kingdom welcomed the partnerships and would continue working with the international community to promote peace, prosperity, and job creation.
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