The Pre-Summit briefing of the accredited Diplomats in Swaziland was held on August 20, 2016 at the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel, Ezulwini, Swaziland.
The aim of the gathering was to share information on the state of preparedness for the Summit and preceding meetings and to outline the agenda of the Summit.
The Deputy Executive Secretary – Regional Integration, Dr. Thembinkosi Mhlongo, and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Mr Bertram B. Stewart led the briefing. In his talking notes, Dr. Mhlongo expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III and the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for all the arrangements that have been made for the Council of Ministers Meeting, the Organ Troika Meeting and ultimately the Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Dr. Mhlongo further explained that Summit will receive progress report on the Secretariat activities, challenges and proposals aimed at addressing such challenges and guidance on the framework for the implementation of SADC programmes and projects for regional cooperation and integration.
Mr. Stewart thanked the Diplomats for honouring the occasion and applauded them for the immeasurable support their Governments are rendering in support of the regional integration efforts in SADC.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host its 36th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Mbabane, Swaziland on 30 – 31 August 2016. The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall Policy direction and control of functions of the community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC.
