New York, 22 September 2026 – The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta today signed a Declaration of Intent in New York, marking a significant step towards strengthening relations and cooperation between the two parties.
The Declaration was signed on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini by Sen. Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and on behalf of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta by H.E. 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, and also provides a basis for advancing reciprocal understanding, cooperation and friendship, 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.
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini views the strengthening of international partnerships as an important component of its foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. The signing further demonstrates Eswatini’s commitment to constructive international cooperation and to building partnerships that contribute to mutual understanding and shared objectives.
Speaking at the signing, Hon. Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomed the development, noting that the occasion represents an important milestone in the relationship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
The Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, represented the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.. He 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.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a Catholic lay religious order and a sovereign subject of international law, with its government based in Rome. Although it does not possess territorial sovereignty, the Order exercises sovereign functions and maintains diplomatic relations with States and international organisations
The Order is internationally recognised for its longstanding humanitarian and hospitaller mission, providing medical, social and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities worldwide.
The Government of the Kingdom of 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
Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
