His Majesty King Mswati III and his delegation arrived at the Moshoeshoe I International Airport on Wednesday on a three-day state visit in the country.

The King's delegation comprises among others one of the Queens, princes and princesses, cabinet ministers including chief's.

Speaking at Moshoeshoe I international Airport on their arrival, the Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa said His Majesty King Mswati's visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations that have always existed between the two countries based on common history and culture as well as during joint University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

On the other hand, the Minister said Swaziland and Lesotho are sovereign states in Southern Africa, which were British colonies and are both members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Meanwhile, during his visit to Lesotho, he said, the Swazi King will among others hold talks with His Majesty King Letsie III, the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and address the Parliament.

“He will also pay a visit to the Liphofung Cave and Cultural Heritage in Butha-Buthe, a historical site which was used to keep Moshoeshoe I warriors who sustained injuries in wars.”

In addition, His Majesty King Mswati will tour Lets'eng Diamond Mine in Mokhotlong, Katse Dam in Thaba-Tseka and Sandstone factory at Lekokoaneng in Berea.

Born on April 19, 1968 (Four months before Swaziland attained independence from Britain) at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Swaziland, His Majesty King Mswati III is the second of 67 sons of the late King Sobhuza II, who had 70 wives and over 1000 grandchildren at the time of his death in August 1982.

King Mswati III was introduced as Crown Prince in September 1983 and was crowned King on April, 25, 1986 when he was 18 years old, thus making him the youngest reigning monarch.

Though this is the first state visit by His Majesty King Mswati III to Lesotho, he has been in the country during the SADC Summit and Smart partnership in Lesotho as well as during national ceremonies.

The King has 13 wives and 23 children. He will live Lesotho for Swaziland on Friday.

Source: LENA 09/04/2008