Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Dlamini held crucial meetings with high-ranking officials from the United States government on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the US-Africa Business Summit, a platform aimed at fostering business relationships and investment opportunities across the African continent.
The Prime Minister met with Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to former President Donald Trump.
The dialogue focused on strengthening the partnership between Eswatini and the United States, with an emphasis on improving trade relations.
The PM expressed gratitude for the ongoing healthcare support provided by the U.S. government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
He acknowledged the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS but highlighted the pressing need for continued efforts to reduce new infections among the youth, a demographic that still faces significant challenges.
U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Eswatini’s health sector, reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations.
The Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met with former Senior Advisor to US president Donald Trump, Massad Boulos (Left) and Ambassador Troy Fitrell (right) the Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau.
During the discussions, both parties identified key areas of mutual interest that hold potential for investment, including energy security, agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and mining.
These sectors align with the Government of Eswatini’s Programme of Action, which seeks to drive economic growth and enhance the nation’s development trajectory.
In a noteworthy aspect of the meeting, the leaders addressed the sensitive issue of import tariffs. Dlamini informed the U.S. officials about Eswatini’s recent proposal regarding trade tariffs,
indicating that a dedicated trade negotiations team from Eswatini would soon engage with the U.S. trade office to discuss the matter in detail.
This initiative was met with optimism by the U.S. representatives, who expressed hope for a favourable outcome from the upcoming discussions.
The bilateral engagement also underscored the mutual respect both countries share for their diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, Taiwan.
U.S. officials recognised Eswatini as a valued partner, particularly in light of its established relationship with Taiwan.
While acknowledging the potential challenges that may arise from this alliance, they emphasised the opportunities for enhanced cooperation and economic diplomacy that could benefit all parties involved.
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Dlamini engaged with Selim Bora, the Chairperson of SUMMA International Construction Group, a Turkish company that has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Eswatini government.
The agreement focuses on the design, finance, and construction of a new stadium in Eswatini, which is expected to bolster the nation’s infrastructure and provide a venue for various sporting events.
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