BACKGROUND
As the Ministry’s mandate with regards to maintaining the country’s international relations, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the State of Kuwait was established on 26 May, 2008. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Prince Senzangakhona presented His letters of Credence to the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah on 19th June, 2008. During the year 2009, October 20, His Majesty King Mswati III on His Third State Visit to Kuwait, officially inaugurated the First Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the Gulf and Middle East and that being the Mission in Kuwait. The Embassy further continues to safeguard and promote interests of Swazi nationals whilst keeping both the Government and the general public informed on any developments taking place in Kuwait.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the State of Kuwait in line with the Ministry’s mandate is to maintain and promote the country’s international relations and National Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland has been able to strengthen and maintain the existing diplomatic relations, trade and co-operation between the two countries. This has been actioned through the Country Foreign Policy as outlined in the country’s national constitution. In this regard, the Embassy’s objectives to the country’s benefits can be summarized as follows;
ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
The Embassy through the Ministry has decided to pursue a policy objective of economic diplomacy as a driving force since globalization has been the most crucial economic and social treats of the 21st Century.
COORDINATING NATIONAL PROJECTS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Embassy co-ordinates and assist both line Ministries and the Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development in connection with the country’s national projects such as;
National Referral Hospital in Mbabane
Mbadlane-Sikhuphe Airport Highway
The construction of the Sports Emporium at the University of Swaziland
With regards to the investment opportunities the Embassy by understanding the fact that the Kuwait Private Sector and their Business individuals are traders in nature has been on a numerous occasion been included on trade and investment opportunities activities. There is constant contact between SIPA and the Embassy on trade and investment issues and private sector institutions in the State of Kuwait which amongst others include;
Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Kuwait Investment Authority
Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development
INVESTMENT, TOURISM, CULTURAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME
This is where as a country we are able to showcase the various investment opportunities that the Kingdom of Swaziland offers whilst positioning the country as a business and tourism platform. On issues of Tourism, the Embassy works closely with the Swaziland Tourism Authority. The Swaziland Tourism Authority has been also able to supply us with brochures and DVDs promoting tourism.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
It is the Embassy’s objective to continue sensitizing people about the many cultural events being held annually in Swaziland. Such historical events help tourists understand the indigenous traditions and these amongst others include Incwala Ceremony, the Reed Dance, the Marula Festival etc. Such activities will enable a lot of people to understand the culture heritage and cultural life that the country offers. As an Embassy we are able to showcase cultural heritage through participation at the Africa Day celebrations held annually by all Africa Diplomatic Missions accredited to the State of Kuwait.
Another key objective of the Mission is through the Ministry and of course other line Ministries or Departments to actively participate on Energy Security Matter. The Kingdom of Swaziland needs to clearly have a strategic fuel reserve to reduce the area reliance from the Republic of South Africa. In this regard the Embassy has made all the necessary contacts with various private sector companies such as Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploitation Company (KUFPEC) amongst others.
PHILANTHROPIC ORGANISATION
The Embassy has over the past few years actively co-operated with philanthropic organization in Kuwait as a way of expanding our network base whilst also establishing the necessary contacts for assistance to such organizations in Swaziland. These include organizations such as the Swaziland Red Cross Society; Kuwait Red Crescent Society and
Kuwait International Islamic Charitable Organization
Finally, the Embassy continues with other assignments or duties that are mandated by the Home Office and these also include facilitation of both Royal and official trips in the Exchanges of delegations between the Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
HONOURABLE MINISTER'S VISITS TO KUWAIT
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Lutfo E. Dlamini travelled to the State of Kuwait as a Special Envoy of His Majesty, King Mswati III to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as from 03rd April 2010 to 06th April 2010. The Honourable Minister paid a Courtesy Call upon His Highness the Amir and he conveyed greetings and wishes of good health and prosperity from His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty, Indlovukazi.
After meeting, His Highness the Amir, the Honourable Minister proceeded to meet His Highness the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In this meeting, the Minister was able to make further presentation regarding the National Projects. In his response, His Highness the Prime Minister directed that the Honourable Minister meets the Kuwait Fund For Arab and Economic Development, Kuwait Investment Authority and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. The discussions with the above-mentioned institutions' representatives are summarized as follows;
- Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development - The Honourable Minister discussed the progress made with regards to the Sikhuphe-Mbandlane Road and the challenges being faced whilst undergoing the implementation process. He also submitted an advance copy of the Manzini – Mbadlane road plan and estimates. The Hon. Minister presented to them the overall economic situation of Swaziland whilst further urging them to seek new business adventures as there are more opportunities unexploited in the Kingdom. In this regard it was agreed that the forthcoming business trip should be used to explore opportunities. i.e in the financial services and telecommunication sectors.
- Kuwait Chamber of Commerce - The Honourable Minister and Representatives from the Chamber shared information on trade and investment opportunities in Swaziland. Areas of cooperation which were identified include the exchange of market information: Inwards and outwards trade and investment missions between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Swaziland and: Agreement was reached for the hosting of Business Exhibitions by both countries to also include cultural activities commencing with the State of Kuwait.
- Nasser Group - The Honourable Minister had the opportunity to meet with the Al-Nasser Group of Companies; and he further extended an invitation for them to travel to Swaziland for a formalization tour and they assured him.
- National Activities - Whilst also in Kuwait, the Honourable Minister also participated in National events of the State of Kuwait through invitations extended by the authorities of the State of Kuwait.
MEETINGS OF THE AFRICAN AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO THE STATE OF KUWAIT
The main broad objective of these meetings is to foster further bilateral ties amongst the African countries whilst sharing innovative ideas & experiences on socio, political and economic matters of the African continent. There is increasing realisation from their Excellencies, the Ambassadors that Trade and Tourism issues should always be on top of the agenda as a way of marketing Africa in this region. The African Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions are further briefed on any political and security issues on those countries facing political instability for instance, Somalia. As a way of reaping the economic benefits from the host country, the Ambassadors have agreed to extend invitations to the major investment companies in Kuwait. Currently, there are 19(nineteen) African Embassies accredited to the State of Kuwait.
HIS MAJESTY KING MSWATI III' STATE VISIT
By accepting an invitation from the Authorities of the State of Kuwait, His Majesty, King Mswati III undertook a visit to the State of Kuwait. The State visit was aimed at following up on matters that have been on-going between the Authorities of the two countries, whilst further strengthening the long diplomatic ties of friendship and co-operation that happily exist between the Kingdom of Swaziland and the State of Kuwait. Also part of His Majesty’s Program was to officially open the Swaziland-Kuwait Business Expo that was arranged by the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland in collaboration with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on 13-14 October, 2010.
At the political level, His Majesty had official talks with His Highness the Acting Amir & Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on a number of ranging issues but major emphasis on co-operation, trade and investment opportunities available to both countries and their citizens. During this expo, agricultural produce, handicraft and home décor products from Swaziland were showcased as samples during the fair. Furthermore, His Majesty King Mswati III toured the following places; Kuwait Oil Company(KOC), The Al-Amiri Hospital and Royale Hayat Hospital.
PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF SWAZILAND FUTURE COMMODITY EXCHANGE
The Embassy co-ordinated with SIPA regarding the visits of potential investors such as Pride Group, a company based in Kuwait, Dubai and Nepal whereby they are proposing to the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland to set up a Mercantile Exchange of Swaziland. They have already made their presentation to the relevant authorities in Swaziland. In this regard, the Embassy will still be in constant contact with SIPA in co-coordinating further visits by investors whilst trying to improve the flow of Foreign Direct Investment into the country.
PARTICIPATION AT THE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT SUMMIT, KUWAIT
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the State of Kuwait, was invited to participate at the Public Private Partnerships Investment Summit, that was held on 9-10 May, 2011 in Kuwait. During the Summit, Senior officials from both the public and private sector joined financiers and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities and address challenges for finance and investments in this turbulent financial crisis.
INVESTMENT, TOURISM AND CULTURE OUTREACH PROGRAMME 14TH MAY 2011
The Embassy held an investment, tourism & cultural outreach programme on 14 May, 2011 at the Chancery’s Conference Room. This event was attended by Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, who now form part of the Friends of Swaziland, a group that was created in 2009 & formerly introduced to His Majesty King Mswati III. This forum was mainly to showcase the various investment opportunities that the Kingdom of Swaziland offers to the global investor community, as well as to position Swaziland as a business, investment & tourism platform especially on mobilizing people from the Middle East.
PARTICIPATION AT THE 2011 AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS
The Embassy participated at the African Day celebrations held on 24 May, 2011 at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). This is an annual event held by the African Diplomatic Missions accredited to the State of Kuwait. The main aim of this event is to promote integration and development amongst African countries and to celebrate the day when the Organization of African Union (OAU) the precursor of the African Union (AU), was formed in 1963. In this event African countries are given the opportunity to showcase both their natural and cultural heritage through various forms such as handicraft, brochures, DVDs and Audio materials promoting tourism and investment.
CONSULAR MATTERS
In line with the country’s drive to promote the Kingdom of Swaziland as an ultimate destination to tourists and investors, the Embassy continues to facilitate travel for Kuwaiti & non-Kuwaiti nationals through the issuance of visas whenever they visit Swaziland for both business and/or leisure purposes.
CONTACT US
Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the State of Kuwait
Jabriya, Block 7, Street 101, Villa 69
P. O. Box 632
Jabriya 46307
Telephone : 00965 25313306
Fascimile : 00965 23513307
Official email address : _ HYPERLINK "