Rome – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, representing His Majesty King Mswati III, officially signed a Host Country Agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The signing marks a significant step toward establishing an FAO office in Eswatini, fulfilling a commitment made by the King during his visit to the World Food Forum in 2024. At the forum, His Majesty announced the kingdom’s intention to host an FAO office to strengthen collaborative efforts against food insecurity and malnutrition, with a particular focus on youth and women.
The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Agriculture MP Mandla Tshawuke, and other senior government officials. Ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Dlamini met with FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu for a courtesy call and delivered remarks at the Forum’s grand opening, stressing the need to accelerate reforms in agri-food systems.
Prime Minister Dlamini described the agreement as more than a diplomatic formality, saying it reflects Eswatini’s dedication to enhancing agricultural practices, fortifying food systems, and building sustainable opportunities for rural communities. He added that the FAO office, with the Representative of the Director-General, is expected to be operational by January 1, 2026.
Dr. Qu congratulated Eswatini for finalizing the Host Country Agreement within 12 months, noting that the process often takes much longer in other countries. The agreement is expected to advance technical cooperation between Eswatini and FAO, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable development initiatives across the kingdom.
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