Eswatini's Foreign Minister Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, during her visit to Rabat, reaffirmed her country's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty, including backing the 2007 autonomy initiative as the sole viable solution. This visit, marked by the signing of eight cooperation agreements, underscores the deepening ties between Morocco and Eswatini, rooted in shared commitments to regional stability and prosperity. On the eve of a decisive vote on a UN Security Council resolution concerning the Sahara, the issue has moved to the forefront of diplomatic discussions. During her visit to Rabat, Eswatini's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, reaffirmed her country's full support for Morocco's national sovereignty, including its southern provinces. Co-chairing the first session of the Joint Bilateral Cooperation Commission with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on Wednesday, Dlamini Shakantu reiterated Eswatini's backing of the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007, describing it as «the only realistic and credible political framework to end this decades-long dispute». «We commend the United Nations for its crucial role as the exclusive framework to achieve a practical and lasting solution to the Sahara issue», she stated, adding that Eswatini remains committed to working alongside Morocco «in various regional, continental, and multilateral forums to advance our countries and Africa toward the Africa we want». Strengthened Diplomatic and Strategic Ties These remarks come amid the steady strengthening of Morocco–Eswatini relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1997. Dlamini Shakantu underlined that this partnership is rooted in «the wise and enlightened leadership of both kingdoms, focused on the well-being of their peoples». A major milestone came in 2020, when Eswatini opened an embassy in Rabat and a consulate in Laâyoune, further solidifying its recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. For his part, Nasser Bourita hailed Eswatini's «constructive and unwavering position» in favor of Morocco's territorial integrity, emphasizing that «the opening of a consulate in Laâyoune reflects its commitment to international legitimacy and the principle of state sovereignty». Over the past three years, bilateral cooperation has expanded well beyond diplomacy, encompassing areas such as climate change, food security, renewable energy, digital governance, and local development. Dlamini Shakantu stressed that this partnership «goes beyond economic interests», describing it as grounded in a shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in Africa. Toward an Expanded Partnership Bourita, for his part, welcomed «the positive evolution of relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini», affirming Morocco's determination to strengthen ties with countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) based on «solidarity, mutual respect, and common interests». «We have agreed to harmonize our positions within regional and sub-regional organizations, particularly within the African Union and ECOWAS, in order to promote sustainable development and stability across our continent», Bourita stated. On this occasion, Morocco also reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with Eswatini under continental initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, notably the Atlantic Initiative and projects related to the Sahel, reflecting the King's vision for African cooperation. The meeting concluded with the signing of eight cooperation documents, including a joint communiqué, a roadmap, and five agreements and memorandums of understanding covering youth, education and culture, technology and agriculture, justice, diplomatic training, and tourism. The two sides also agreed on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic passports. Minister Dlamini Shakantu emphasized that this first joint commission has laid «a solid foundation» to serve as a catalyst for harmonizing a strategic partnership, in line with shared regional objectives and the 2026–2028 cooperation roadmap.
