On November 6th, 2024, Ambassador Beresford-Hill visited H.E. Ambassador Chola Milambo at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia. The discusses the Order of Malta and the Republic of Zambia on current issues such as developmental aid and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Republic of Zambia is located in the very heart of the southern half of Africa. Ambassador Milambo is an international public servant with nearly three decades of experience in macroeconomic management and development at both the global and national levels. He has worked not only in his country’s ministry of finance, but also at the World Bank Group, where he was instrumental in strengthening relations with Zambia.
The meeting started with a reflection on current global events. Ambassador Milambo noted that his country’s primary concerns were on very basic national issues, such as education and housing. Of most interest, additionally, would be any changes to policy of developmental aid.
Ambassador Beresford-Hill then gave a brief history outline of the Order of Malta, on which Ambassador Milambo made some positive comments. The discussion then shifted to the current work of the Order, especially in Africa and the countries surrounding Zambia. Ambassador Milambo remarked that this was particularly commendable in countries such as South Sudan, which were currently experiencing conditions that made them very reliant on organizations such as Malteser International. Another work of the Order that was mentioned in particular was the Order’s centers for HIV, the largest one being in South Africa.
The Discussion concluded with both ambassadors expressing mutual interest in exploring diplomatic dialogue and pathways for collaboration between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Zambia, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges.
