Eswatini signs diplomatic ties with Sovereign Military Order of Malta

NEW YORK, USA – Foreign affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly here signed a diplomatic declaration with the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta.

The minister signed alongside the organisation’s Grand Counsellor His Excellency Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Declaration expresses the parties’ desire to develop and strengthen collaboration and friendship for mutual benefit. It also provides a basis for advancing reciprocal understanding, cooperation and for developing fruitful relations between the two parties.

It reflects the shared interest of Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in strengthening engagement and identifying areas of mutual benefit.

Minister Shakantu said government views the strengthening of international partnerships as an important component of its foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.

She said the signing further demonstrates Eswatini’s commitment to constructive international cooperation and to building partnerships that contribute to mutual understanding and shared objectives.

“We welcome this development as the Kingdom of Eswatini as it represents an important milestone in our relations with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, di Montecupo is responsible for the foreign policy and the diplomatic missions of the Sovereign Order of Malta. He is also the Minister of Internal Affairs, in charge of the 49 National Associations of the Order in the world.

Minister Shakantu said the Eswatini looks forward to continued engagement with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in advancing the commitments contained in the Declaration and in further strengthening relations between the two parties.

About the Soverign Military Order of Malta:

• The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.

• A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.

• No Land:

  It functions like a nation with diplomatic powers but has no physical territory, operating from extraterritorial headquarters in Rome, Italy.

• Global Diplomacy:

  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

• History:

  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

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