On November 5, 2024, Ambassador Beresford-Hill met with H.E. Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the United Nations.
Ambassador Bendjama brings extensive diplomatic experience to his current role. Before his appointment, he served as Ambassador and Counsellor to Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, focusing on Euro-Mediterranean issues, following his tenure as Algeria’s Ambassador to France. His career has also included postings as Algeria’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, Chief of Delegation to the European Union, Representative to NATO, and Ambassador to Japan. He also served as Secretary-General of Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and the African Union. Notably, he was also Algeria’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1989 to 1991. Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1975, Ambassador Bendjama has held various roles, including Chief of Official Visits and First Secretary at Algeria’s Embassy in the Soviet Union.
The meeting began with a discussion on Algeria’s work over the past year as a member of the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Bendjama reflected on the challenges of the tenure, to which Ambassador Beresford-Hill responded by emphasising the importance of maintaining hope amidst difficulties.
Ambassador Bendjama noted Algeria’s understanding of the Order of Malta’s significant interest in the Middle East. Ambassador Beresford-Hill confirmed this, elaborating on the Order’s origins in the Holy Land and its longstanding humanitarian work in the region. He highlighted the contributions of the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem. Ambassador Bendjama expressed admiration for the hospital’s impact and praised its role in supporting the local community.
The discussion also touched on the Order’s recent humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including the delivery of food and aid to Northern Gaza in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Ambassador Bendjama commended these efforts, acknowledging the pressing need for such assistance in the region.
As the meeting concluded, both Ambassadors emphasised the importance of effective collaboration between states and international humanitarian organisations to ensure sustainable relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. They also expressed a shared interest in exploring opportunities for future collaboration between Algeria and the Sovereign Order of Malta in humanitarian initiatives.
