Prime Minister Dlamini of Swaziland visited Israel between 28 December and 3 January. Swaziland was one of the three African nations that retained full diplomatic relations with Israel. In the course of talks with Premier Begin and Israeli officials, closer cooperation in various spheres were considered. Text of the joint communique:
From 28 December 1978 to 3 January 1979 an official visit was paid to Israel by his excellency the Prime Minister of Swaziland, the Right Honourable Major General Maphevu Dlamini accompanied by his Excellency the Minister of Justice, Mr. Polycarp K. Dlamini, His Excellency the Minister of Finance, Mr. Robert P. Stephens and the Attorney General, Mr. Douglas Lukhele, together with their aides and assistants. Discussions were held between the Prime Ministers of Swaziland and Israel and their colleagues in a cordial and constructive atmosphere on a variety of topics of common interest to the Governments and peoples of both countries.
Various possibilities were considered for furthering mutual cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of technology, science, education, trade and commerce, aviation, shipping and agriculture.
His Excellency the Prime Minister of Swaziland expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the State of Israel in these various fields. Both Prime Ministers agreed that meetings on these matters should be held periodically for the purpose of formulating detailed programmes in these fields for the consideration of their competent Government authorities.
The Prime Ministers of both countries agreed that the outcome of the talks had been satisfactory and expressed their conviction that their meeting would lead to the deepening of the existing ties of friendship and understanding between the Governments and the peoples of both countries.