Eswatini King Mswati III has met Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland in London, where they discussed issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming national elections and the economic development of the country.

The meeting took place on Monday at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The King and the Secretary General held private talks, where they exchanged views on the political and social situation in Eswatini and the Commonwealth.

His Majesty King Mswati III has met with Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland, where they held private talks. Among other issues discussed during the candid talks was the upcoming national elections to be held later this year. pic.twitter.com/LngQkHtLEB

— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) May 8, 2023

The King explained in detail how Eswatini elections are conducted and how government and its structures are formed from constituency level up to Cabinet. He also highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Secretary General informed the King that the Commonwealth was available to assist Eswatini in various programmes, including strengthening governance, improving service delivery and boosting the economy. She also praised Eswatini for its active participation and contribution to the Commonwealth’s activities and initiatives.

The meeting was part of the King’s visit to the United Kingdom, where he also attended the Commonwealth Leaders Summit on Saturday. The summit focused on issues affecting the youth, such as education, employment, health and climate change