Russia’s Lavrov pledges security training to Eswatini

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Russia’s Lavrov pledges security training to Eswatini

5:05 CAT | 24 Jan 2023

Russia’s top diplomat on Tuesday pledged security training to Eswatini, just days after the brutal murder of a leading human rights lawyer and opposition politician.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was speaking in the landlocked country, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, a day after visiting neighbouring South Africa and just two days after Thulani Maseko was shot.

“Russia is prepared to assist Eswatini in training of security personnel, improving food production and also assistance on other issues of mutual cooperation,” Lavrov told reporters.

READ: Lavrov arrives in Angola on working visit

Following talks with Eswatini’s prime minister and other cabinet members, he said 50 Eswatini security personnel were studying at Russian defence universities.

Responding to a question on the political crisis in Eswatini, the minister said “as a matter of principle, we do not interfere with the political situations of any country”.

“We are here to promote our good relations, to create the best atmosphere for implementation of practical projects from the ground — industry, agriculture, information communication technologies and many other things,” he said.

The weekend killing of Maseko has sparked worldwide condemnation.

READ: Fury after Eswatini activist is gunned down at home

Minister Lavrov (responding to allegations that Russia is here due to Eswatini’s political situation: “As a matter of principle, we do not interfere with the political situations of any country, so I cannot comment on those insinuations.”

— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) January 24, 2023

The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Russian Federation have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement for emaSwati diplomatic and service passport holders. Signing the agreement on behalf of the two countries has been Foreign Ministers H.E Thulisile Dladla & H.E Sergey Lavrov. pic.twitter.com/rRKEvSGFXF

— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) January 24, 2023

[PHOTOS]: Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini receives a courtesy call from Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E Sergey Lavrov. The Foreign Minister is in the country on a one day courtesy visit. pic.twitter.com/zYNLwoFkWl

— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) January 24, 2023

Source: AFP