ABU DHABI -  His Majesty Mswati III, King of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, highlighted the keenness of his country to strengthen its strategic ties with the UAE and create opportunities for economic cooperation, as well as enhance the cooperation between the two countries.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), King Mswati III said that his country aims to attract Emirati investments, noting that it is a key market for Emirati companies wishing to enter African markets.

He also pointed out that the kingdom is keen to strengthen its trade and economic relations with the UAE, most notably in manufacturing and other strategic areas, stressing that Eswatini’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai was a key opportunity to promote the country and the investment opportunities it offers.

The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirati holding company, EMI Gate Holding, aims to showcase available opportunities for investment and trade in Eswatini, King Mswati added, noting that other agreements with Emirati and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) companies are expected to be signed soon.

He then affirmed that his country welcomes Emirati investors in various sectors, highlighting Eswatini’s keenness to forge efficient and prosperous partnerships with the UAE, as well as its advanced infrastructure and skilled labour force.

His country has a variety of diverse and vital sectors, in addition to a highly-productive labour force and vibrant infrastructure, he further added.

Eswatini is an African kingdom bordering South Africa to the north, south and west, and Mozambique to the east, with an area of 17,363 square kilometres. Its capital is Mbabane.