GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT

 

NO: 09/2014

HMK LEAVES FOR AU ORDINARY SESSION

 

1. 1.His Majesty the King and Ingwenyama will be attending the 23^rd Ordinary Session of the African Union Asembly of Heads State and Government to be held on 26-27 June in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. He will be accompanied by, among others H.R.H Prince Lonkhokhela, Princess Tsandziwe Mazithulele, The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation ,Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze Hon. Gideon Dlamini, Minister for Commerce , Industry and Trade, Hon. Jabulile Mashwama, Minister for Natural Resources and Energy and Senior Government officials. His Majesty will leave for the AU Summit on 24 June 2014.
2. 2.His Majesty and other AU Heads of State and Government will focus their debate on the Theme of the year of Agriculture and food Security in Africa, entitled “ Transforming Africa’s Agriculture for Shares Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods through Harnessing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development” In their debate they will be guided by specific goals which are critical in addressing the issue of food security in Africa, including in Swaziland. These include:

(a)  Commitment to zero hunger

(b)  Commitment to reduce poverty through transformation by half (50%)

(c)  Commitment to increase by three-folds Intra-Africa Trade in agriculture

(d)  Commitment to ensuring for at least 30% of farm/pastoral households to be resilient to shocks.

1. 3.Following the two-day Summit, AU Heads of State and Government are expected to adopt a Declaration on Africa’s Accerelated Agriculture Growth and Transformation Goals 2025.
2. 4.His Majesty and the Ingwenyama is expected to return to the country on 30^th June 2014.

 

Sotja M. Dlamini                                                                   24^th June, 2014

Principal Secretary