By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has expressed eSwatini’s commitment to transformative economic growth, sustainable development, and regional integration.

The PM was addressing the Africa for the Ocean' Summit in Nice-France, held on the margins of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, Government online platforms reported on Monday.

“We are committed to transformative economic growth, sustainable development, and regional integration - goals that resonate with the call to harness Africa’s maritime potential for the benefit of all.The oceans are a lifeline for global trade, food security, and climate resilience.For Eswatini, access to maritime corridors is critical to connecting our economy to global markets.The initiatives highlighted today, such as the Atlantic African States Initiative and Morocco’s visionary effort to facilitate Sahelian countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, are pivotal in fostering equitable connectivity for landlocked nations like ours.These efforts underscore the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring that all African states, coastal and landlocked alike, can leverage the blue economy for sustainable development,” he said.

The PM said, the challenges facing the ocean-overfishing, pollution, and rising sea levels, demand collective action.

“Eswatini pledges to support African-led initiatives that promote South-South and North-South cooperation, as well as investments in marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries. We call for increased collaboration to ensure that landlocked states are integrated into the blue economy, enabling us to contribute to and benefit from the sustainable use of ocean resources,” he said.