By 
By Kwanele Dhladhla and Thokozani Mazibuko
His Majesty King Mswati III has called upon Eswatini to remain mindful of the current geopolitical developments affecting many nations worldwide as it celebrates the immense progress attained in his 39 years of rule.
The King said it was imperative that Eswatini strategically assesses these challenges to mitigate risks and seize opportunities to safeguard its achievements.
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“Global shifts, such as protectionism and supply chain disruptions, pose threats to our trade-dependent economy. We must diversify markets, strengthen local industries, attract investors, and build resilience against volatility.
Equally, we must ensure our health system remains responsive to emerging challenges,” the King said.
He extended his deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and prayers for the monarchy.
“Your tireless contributions to our nation’s development, loyalty, resilience, and dedication are the foundations upon which we build a brighter future,” he said.
When reflecting on the past 12 months, the King said he was encouraged by the positive developments that had unfolded across the kingdom, some of which were evident in the region.
“We must ensure that the water and community development projects deliver meaningful benefits, complementing the ongoing expansion of the region’s industrial area and economic landscape,” he advised.
He stated that these efforts follow the recent completion of the Nhlangano-Sicunusa road, all of which stand as testament to the collective commitment towards a decentralised national transformation agenda.
“Such vital infrastructure not only connects communities but also unlocks economic opportunities, fostering growth and development for our people,” he added.
Put God first- King
His Majesty King Mswati III has ordered Emaswati to put God first.
The King said the progress of Eswatini, which also marked its National Flag Day on Friday, relied on trusting God.
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“As Emaswati, we always put God first, as he is our source, this is confirmed by the inscription on our currency and on several government documents,” the King said.
He also appreciated the support from friends of the kingdom, from whom he said Eswatini gets to share experiences of how best an create an enabling environment for the people could be created.
“We wish to acknowledge the presence of all foreign guests who including His Majesty Ian Khama, the former presidents (Jacob Zuma and Joseph Kabila), and the special envoy led by Taiwan Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Lin Chian-lung, for taking the time from their busy schedule to join Emaswati for this birthday celebration,” he added.
