Swaziland's Queen Mother Ntfombi Thwala is in Madagascar for a state visit.

The mother of King Mswati III, was on Tuesday received by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina at the State House of Iavoloha in Antananarivo.

Queen Mother Thwala is accompanied by her other son, Prince Makhosetive Dlamini, on the first time visit to the island nation.

Royal guests

President Rajaonarimampianina, welcoming the royal guests, said their visit confirmed the cordial relations between the Malagasy people and the Swazis.

The Queen Mother is considered the spiritual and national head of state, while her son is the head of the administrative wing.

Malagasy officials refrained from divulging details of the two leaders' encounter, but reports said their talks focused on the role African women played in development.

His credentials

The Malagasy leader reportedly seized the occasion to highlight the commitment of the First Lady, Voahangy Rajaonarimampianina, to the improvement of child and maternal health and education.

The Queen Mother also introduced the Swazi envoy-designate to Antananarivo, who will reside in Maputo, Mozambique.

The diplomat is expected to present his credentials to President Rajaonarimampianina in the near future.