MBABANE /Kingdom of Eswatini/, January 24. /TASS/. Eswatini plans to sign agreements with Russia on trade, defense, energy, agriculture, tourism and other areas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thuli Dladla said after the talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov Tuesday.

"We are hopeful of signing more agreements in different fields, such as trade and investment, agriculture and food security, tourism, energy, mining, defense and security, science and technology among others," she said.

The Minister noted that the Kingdom of Eswatini is ready to become a major regional hub for the entire south of African, including through cooperation with Russia.

Dladla said that Lavrov’s visit to Eswatini 1opened "doors to the kingdom" for Russia.

"We appreciate your presence and the doors that you’ve opened to this kingdom for you to utilize," the Foreign Minister underscored.

She invited Russians to visit Eswatini and too see both the special hospitality of the kingdom’s people and the beauty of the country.

Earlier on Tuesday, the two foreign ministers signed an agreement on visa-free travel for owners of diplomatic and service passports.