Rwanda and the Kingdom of Eswatini signed four agreements on Tuesday, August 13, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The agreements cover defense and security operations, police cooperation, correctional services, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passports.
The signing ceremony was overseen by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and King Mswati III of Eswatini, who was in Rwanda for an official visit following Kagame’s inauguration on Sunday, August 11. King Mswati III, along with Inkhosikati Make LaMashwama, was welcomed by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame at Village Urugwiro.
President Kagame expressed gratitude for King Mswati III’s visit, emphasizing that the agreements would further solidify the relationship between the two countries. “In Rwanda, we are eager to share our experience in our transformation journey with partners like Eswatini,” Kagame said, noting the potential for cooperation across various sectors, including defense, security, ICT, education, agriculture, tourism, and trade.
King Mswati III congratulated President Kagame on his recent inauguration and praised Rwanda’s socioeconomic progress, highlighting the country’s contributions to peace and security through participation in peacekeeping missions. He also reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to continuing its strong relations with Rwanda, focusing on areas such as peace and security, health, development, climate change, and food security.
The two nations previously signed a general cooperation agreement in 2022, establishing a joint permanent commission. King Mswati III noted that the new agreements would enhance skills development, international exchange of expertise, and benchmarking for human capital development.
During his visit, King Mswati III toured the Irembo e-government services portal and the Kigali Special Economic Zone. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as agriculture and technology, and encouraged the private sectors in both countries to capitalize on available investment opportunities.
King Mswati III also extended an invitation to President Kagame to visit Eswatini.
