The Kingdom of Eswatini & Croatia establish diplomatic relations after 10 years of negotiation

11 February 2019 – The Kingdom of Eswatini situated between South Africa Republic and Mozambique issued diplomatic note towards Croatian officials at the United Nations in New York, USA.

Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Eswatini at the UN New York sent diplomatic note to the Permanent Mission of Croatia at the UN New York stating official respond on previous diplomatic notes and requests from Croatian Government through last 10 years. Croatia in last 10 years issued numerous diplomatic notes and requests towards the Kingdom of Eswatini regarding mutual recognition of states and establishing diplomatic relations between states. 

After many years of negation on bilateral level, through the royal channels and visits to Embassies in Brussels and London by the Prince Leo of Breithen-Thurn and his efforts together with the Principal Princess Sikhanysho of Eswatini, who is now also Minister of Information, Communication and Technology of Eswatini agreement is reached and the Kingdom of Eswatini officially responded to the diplomatic notes of Croatia. This is historical moment for two states which will establish diplomatic relations in due course and will complete Croatian diplomatic presence in South Africa and as well Eswatini’s diplomatic presence in Europe.

Serious negotiations started in May 2017 when Prince Leo held meeting with Ambassador Christian of the Kingdom of Eswatini in London. Negotiations continued and thanks to friendship of the Princess Sikhanysho and Prince Leo which played crucial role, this bilateral story getting more attention of the King Mswati III of Eswatini and the Government at large. Furthermore, in February 2018 another important meeting took place in the Eswatini’s London Embassy where were present High Commissioner Christian of Eswatini, Mrs Branka Cubelic of the Croatian World Congress and Prince Leo of Breithen-Thurn, at this meeting initiative for the diplomatic relations was again discussed. 

The last important meeting occurred in January 2019 at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Brussels where were present Ambassador Sibusisiwe of Eswatini, Prince Leo of Breithen-Thurn and Mrs Branka Cubelic of the Croatian World Congress. As the Cabinet member and the Special Adviser at the Royal Council and to the King, Princess Sikhanysho proposed initiative for bilateral meeting and final result of these meetings is official establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.