By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini on Wednesday, where both countries affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties.
Ramaphosa met with King Mswati III and they agreed to continue to work together in a number of areas.
The president was on a one-day visit to the neighbouring state to discuss political and trade partnerships with its neighbour.
South Africa is a major trading partner for several countries in the region.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president also met with the Queen Mother during his visit.
He then later had a meeting with King Mswati III.
“The two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties. They also highlighted the historical success of collaboration between the two countries, where the two leaders collaborated to work together for a better future,” said Magwenya.
The visit to Eswatini by Ramaphosa came after he reported progress in the recovery of the economy following his meeting with business last week.
Asked if the president and the king discussed the extradition process of the siblings, Magwenya said: “No, that is a legal process that has to run its course.”
The visit happened while two suspects in the AKA murder case, brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, who were arrested in Eswatini in February, are in the process of being extradited back to South Africa.
Five other suspects who have been arrested in connection with the murders of the acclaimed rapper and his celebrity chef friend have been applying for bail in the Durban magistrate’s court recently.