Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill met with Ambassador Thamie Dlamini, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Eswatini to the United Nations, on April 17th, 2024.

Ambassador Dlamini was appointed as Permanent Representative in July 2022. Prior to this role, he held various senior positions within the Swazi diplomatic service, including Ambassador to Taiwan from 2014 to 2022, First Secretary in Kuwait from 2008 to 2014, and Trade Attaché to the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2008. He also worked as an assistant Socio-Political Analyst at the Swazi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Dlamini earned his Bachelor of Arts in public administration and political science from the University of Eswatini.

Nestled in the eastern edge of South Africa, Eswatini is a landlocked nation sharing its border with Mozambique. With a rich tapestry of over 70 clans, the Swazi nation forms the backbone of its population, while immigrants from Mozambique, South Africa, and beyond contribute to its cultural diversity. Characterised by a youthful demographic, nearly two-thirds of Eswatini’s population is under the age of 30. Governed by traditional Swazi Law and Custom, the country maintains a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its economy reflects a dual nature, balancing large-scale production with smaller, subsistence activities. As part of the Southern African Customs Union, Eswatini benefits from the free movement of goods and services within the region. SiSwati, closely related to Zulu, shares official status with English, reflecting the nation’s linguistic diversity. Approximately 20 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, and while, Christianity is predominant, traditional beliefs coexist with modern faiths, shaping the spiritual landscape of the nation.

Ambassador Beresford-Hill discussed humanitarian projects carried out by the Order, particularly in Southern Africa. Ambassador Dlamini, in turn, lauded the global humanitarian efforts of the Order of Malta, and expressed admiration for the Order’s three-decade presence as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations. Ambassador Dlamini also drew attention to Eswatini’s pressing health concerns and underscored his country’s past and ongoing collaboration with international partners to address these challenges. The meeting highlighted shared interests in addressing health issues in Eswatini and explored avenues for future
collaboration between the Order of Malta and the Swazi government.