Mbabane: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita paid a courtesy call on King Mswati-III at Lozitha Palace during his official visit to the African Kingdom of Eswatini. MoS Margherita was warmly received by Eswatini’s Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu upon arrival in the capital Mbabane as he began a multi-nation visit to Africa.

“Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, welcomed by Foreign Minister of Eswatini Senator Pholile Shakantu upon arrival at Mbabane,” tweeted the High Commission of India in Mbabane. The visit aims to engage in meaningful discussions and enhance bilateral ties between India and Eswatini.

“Arrived in the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini for a bilateral visit. Looking forward to engaging in meaningful engagements and further strengthening the bilateral ties between our two friendly nations,” Margherita said in a post on X.

During his stay, the Minister will meet the Prime Minister of Eswatini and hold official talks with the Foreign Minister to review cooperation and discuss mutual interests. The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, capacity building, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. MoS Margherita will also interact with the Indian diaspora and participate in events showcasing India’s development initiatives in Eswatini.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the visit is expected to further enhance the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. This multi-nation African tour is part of India’s broader diplomatic engagement with the continent, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation, exploring new partnership avenues, and representing India at the upcoming G20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) in South Africa.

Following Eswatini, Margherita will visit the Kingdom of Lesotho (July 18-22) and South Africa (July 23-25).