Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698084893402.pdf (Swaziland)
OPENNING REMARKS BY THE SENATE PRESEIDENT, HON PS LINDIWE DLAMINI, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 10 TH RETREAT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SENATES, SHOORA AND EQUIVALENT COUNCILS OF AFRICA AND THE ARAB WORLD (ASSECAA) ON 11 TH -14 TH MAY, 2023, AT EZULWINI.

H.E.

the Rt.

Hon.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini – Hon.

Cleopas S. Dlamini ASSECAA Chairman and Speaker of the House of Councilors of the Kingdom of Morocco - H.E.
Enaam Mayara Excellences, Honourable Presidents and Speakers of SHOORA and Equivalent Councils of Africa and the ARAB World.

Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly in the Kingdom of Eswatini – Hon.

Petros Mavimbela Cabinet Ministers of the Kingdom Of Eswatini Secretary General of ASSECAA – H.E.
Mr. Abdulwasie Yusuf Ali 1 Honourable Senators and members of SHOORA councils UN Regional Coordinator - H.E.George Wachira Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Regional Administrator – Hhohho Region; Honorable Members of Both Houses of Parliament; Distinguished Guests; Members of the Fourth Estate Ladies and Gentlemen 2 It is a great honor and privilege to welcome you to the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini, Africa’s New Promise.
Whilst many of you may have a picture of what a kingdom looks like, Eswatini stands out because of its very rich cultural tapestry, it’s refreshing tranquility and scenic beauty.

Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Kingdom of Eswatini has remained a bulwark of peace, uniqueness and stability whilst pursuing vigorous socio-economic transformation.
In global affairs, Eswatini has remained diligent to its identity as a peace maker by adhering to the values of the Non- Aligned Movement.

The Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini is greatly honored to host this 10TH Retreat of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils of Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA).
3 In line with its noble founding principles, ASSECAA has become a crucial platform for dialogue as well as socio- economic and political cooperation between Africa and the Arab world.

Indeed, it has evolved into a formidable crucible for ideas and new thinking that inspires Africa and the Arab World to harness their potential for the benefit of our peoples in spite of challenges emanating from the prevailing world economic order.
As a matter of fact, we are proud to note that in ancient times, the Middle East, North Africa and the African continent at large were a melting pot for pioneering civilizations and ASSECCAA is the confluence where our civilizations can once again connect so that we can collectively fashion a new era for our peoples.

Ladies and gentlemen, this colloquium comes at an opportune time when our regions are facing unprecedented global crises on multiple fronts.
I therefore applaud the astute leadership of ASSECCAA for convening this all important conference.

This special 4 assembly has brought us together in order to collectively address the challenges and opportunities that confront our regions as a result of the evolving multipolar global world order.

Our nations face common challenges such as the youth bulge, high unemployment, exposure to global economic shocks and severe climate change.

However, on the converse, we have potential answers.
Our two regions are well endowed with human and natural resources.

Furthermore, our relatively large young populations and pristine natural habitats can be harnessed into building blocks for positive economic takeoff in the wake of new forms of industrialization.

As a collective, we therefore need to play a more prominent role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), to harness it for transforming our economies.
Already in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) we are seeing some countries emerging as a force to reckon with in 5 digital technology innovation and resource technology, especially water technology and artificial intelligence.

I believe that the industrial edge that the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries hold in technology innovation can be effectively blended with the diverse natural resources and food production capacity possessed by African states like Eswatini and its neighbors.
We also have the opportunity to harness our enormous wealth of indigenous knowledge towards new forms of modernization to boost trade and human development.

Therefore, let us use this conference to create more opportunities that will accelerate the exchange of ideas and enhance practical cooperation among our societies.

Ladies and gentlemen, together we can reconfigure a resilient civilization for our peoples, reminiscent of the 6 ancient trade routes that dominated our two continents in past epochs.
However, it is the decisions made in high level fora such as here at ASSECCA that will define the new trajectory for our peoples.

As legislators and custodial leaders we also face the tremendous challenge of guiding our nations to navigate national development trajectories in the face of global cultural milieus that sometimes threaten our cultural heritage and destiny.
But we should remain proudly resolute in holding to our own aspirations in spite of the vicissitudes of the global cultural hegemony Mr. Chairman, allow me to infer that undeniably, ASSECCA is a tangible first step towards a new trajectory in relations between Africa and the Arab world, that will enable us to harmoniously usher our people towards prosperity and true self-determination in a new global economic order.
7 With these brief remarks allow me to once again underline our profuse pleasure in welcoming you all the to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

I wish you a most pleasant stay and I truly believe that a Royal Experience awaits you I thank you.

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