The Kingdom of Eswatini has signed a diplomatic declaration with the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. This agreement was reached on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. The declaration was signed by Eswatini's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, and the Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo.
The diplomatic declaration expresses the desire of both parties to develop and strengthen their collaboration and friendship for mutual benefit. It provides a basis for advancing reciprocal understanding, cooperation, and developing fruitful relations between Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. This development reflects the shared interest of both parties in strengthening engagement and identifying areas of mutual benefit.
Minister Shakantu emphasized that the government of Eswatini views the strengthening of international partnerships as an important component of its foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. The signing of the declaration demonstrates Eswatini's commitment to constructive international cooperation and building partnerships that contribute to mutual understanding and shared objectives.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization, with a history dating back to 1113. It is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church and a subject of international law, with diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union. The Order also has permanent observer status at the United Nations.
Despite not having any physical territory, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta functions like a nation with diplomatic powers, operating from extraterritorial headquarters in Rome, Italy. It maintains official diplomatic relations with over 115 states and the European Union, issues its own passports and stamps, and holds permanent observer status at the United Nations.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was founded in Jerusalem around 1099 as the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades. It previously ruled over territories in Rhodes and Malta before losing its land in the late 18th century. Today, it remains neutral, impartial, and apolitical in its operations.
Minister Shakantu looks forward to continued engagement with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in advancing the commitments contained in the declaration and further strengthening relations between the two parties. This development represents an important milestone in the relations between Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Key points
- Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta have signed a diplomatic declaration to strengthen collaboration and friendship.
- The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization, with a history dating back to 1113.
- The declaration reflects the shared interest of both parties in strengthening engagement and identifying areas of mutual benefit.
