On October 29th, 2024, Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill visited the Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations to meet with H.E. Ambassador Tarek Ladeb, the Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the UN.

Ambassador Tarek Ladeb has been serving as Tunisia’s Permanent Representative since September 17th, 2020. He is a seasoned diplomat fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Russian. His distinguished career includes roles as Ambassador to Oman and Chargé d’Affaires in Egypt and Iraq. Within Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he directed Arab and Islamic organizational affairs, showcasing his deep expertise in regional and international diplomacy.

Located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Tunisia is renowned for its rich history and cultural tapestry that weaves together Arab, Carthaginian, and Mediterranean influences. Since joining the United Nations in 1956, Tunisia has played a pivotal role in regional affairs while maintaining a proud history of non-aggression. The nation is currently navigating a transitional period toward democracy, facing challenges exacerbated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts.

During their meeting, the ambassadors discussed shared concerns over regional stability and humanitarian crises, focusing particularly on migration issues and the conflict in Gaza. Ambassador Ladeb emphasized Tunisia’s commitment to humanitarian aid for migrants and displaced communities, aligning closely with the mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Ambassador Beresford-Hill outlined the Order’s extensive humanitarian efforts in over 120 countries and expressed its intent in supporting initiatives in Tunisia.

Ambassador Beresford-Hill and Ambassador Ladeb agreed that the Sovereign Order of Malta and Tunisia have shared values and mutual interests in humanitarian assistance. Underscoring the importance of international cooperation, they left the meeting with optimism about future collaboration.