President Ramaphosa arrives in the Kingdom of Eswatini

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 03 March 2019 arrived for a working visit in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The President and His Majesty King Mswati III will today hold discussions on bilateral, regional and continental issues as well as international developments.

South Africa and Eswatini have cordial bilateral relations which are informed by cultural affinities, geographical proximity and historical ties dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

 The structured bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted through the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) which was   established on 20 December 2004, and is convened at a Ministerial Level.

Furthermore, both countries have signed 21 bilateral agreements which serve as legal instruments for cooperation in areas such as cross-border movement of people and goods, trade and investment, health, defence and policing, among others.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of Eswatini. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R 33,4 billion in 2017, with exports from South Africa amounting to R 17,1 billion, whilst imports from the Kingdom reached a value of R16.2 billion.      

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba. 


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria