The Department of Protocol directs all State protocols, domestic and foreign.
Co-functions of the Department:
- facilitates and co-ordinates both domestic and international programmes of the Head of State, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Swazi dignitaries;
- processes requests for accreditation of both Swazi and Foreign Heads of Missions and handles ceremonies of presentation of credentials by Foreign Heads of Missions;
- organizes ceremonies of commissioning of Swazi Heads of Missions;
- facilitates the conduct of relations between the Government and the Diplomatic and Consular Missions located in and accredited to Swaziland;
- ensures that members of the diplomatic and consular corps understand and comply with local laws and regulations,
- administers the extension to the diplomatic and consular corps of appropriate privileges and immunities;
- develops and implements protocol policies and procedures in line with the Government's policies and with international practice,
- advises Swazi Missions abroad on matters related to Swazi protocol and diplomatic privileges, immunity and protection;
- ensures that Swazis at posts abroad display the same standard of conduct as is expected of Foreign Missions in Swaziland ;
- co-ordinates the practical arrangements for conferences held in Swaziland when required, and advises the Ministry of its conference commitments.
Missions Abroad
The main responsibilities of these missions are, among others:
- to represent the Kingdom of Swaziland abroad;
- to protect in an overseas country the interests of the Kingdom of Swaziland and that of its nationals abroad by taking care of their welfare within the limits permitted by international law;
- negotiating with governments or authorities to whom they are accredited;
- promoting friendly relations between the Kingdom of Swaziland and the country of accreditation; and developing economic, cultural and scientific relations
General responsibilities of Honorary Consuls:
- Representing Kingdom of Swaziland’s interests in the political, economic and cultural fields;
- Promoting Swaziland’s objectives on the economic and political arena, at the level of local Governments, political leaders, think-tanks, mass-media etc.
- Stimulating the development of relations and facilitating economic and commercial contacts between the Kingdom of Swaziland and foreign companies;
- Providing information regarding the business environment and opportunities in Swaziland;
- Promoting cooperation between the representatives of Swazi communities at local level;
- Stimulating dialogue and cooperation between local communities and Swaziland;
- Sending information regarding commercial, economic, cultural evolutions in the consular areas in which they operate;
- Offering assistance to Swazi citizens;
- Promoting Swazi culture;
- Stimulating cooperation between the Kingdom of Swaziland and foreign tertiary institutions and research organizations