From September 10th -11th, Ambassador Beresford-Hill attended the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Second Conference for the African Diplomatic Corps, held at the Magistral Villa in Rome, the Order’s seat of government.
The conference provided a valuable platform to strengthen the Order of Malta’s bilateral relations with African countries. While the Order currently maintains diplomatic ties with 38 of the 54 African Union member states, this event also welcomed ambassadors from countries which do not yet enjoy formal diplomatic relations with the Order. This inclusive approach facilitated numerous bilateral meetings and engagements, expanding the Order’s diplomatic outreach across the African continent.
During the conference, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo addressed the attendees about the Order’s unique approach to diplomacy. He explained, “For the Order of Malta, whose neutrality is one of its founding principles, diplomatic and humanitarian activities are closely interwoven since both aim to promote peace and well-being.” He further emphasized the crucial role that the Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomats play in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches crisis areas while offering political protection to aid workers. At the invitation of the head of the French Association, Mr. Cedric Chalret du Rieu, Ambassador Beresford-Hill was invited to make a brief statement about the role of the Order of Malta’s UN Mission to the UN and its relationship to both the General Assembly and the Security Council. He provided an overview of the exact status which the Order occupies as the only Permanent Observer entity which maintains diplomatic relations with 113 countries, over 60% of the UN Membership.
The conference also highlighted the Order of Malta’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian and relief operations. Indeed, in 35 countries across the continent, Malteser International, the Order’s international relief agency, and Ordre de Malte France provide a range of services for both basic and emergency healthcare. This includes hospitals, medical centers, dispensaries, psychosocial support, malaria, and tuberculosis. These initiatives are in addition to special programs, many of them sponsored by the Order’s Ambassadors, or by local groups, such as the Brotherhood of Blessed Gerard, near Durban, South Africa, which provides support for those suffering from AIDS and related complications, and the varied range of community support programs offered in parts of Namibia through the visionary activities of Ambassador Giacomo Berutto.
The conference concluded with the presence of around 40 ambassadors and diplomats from various African states, underscoring the Order of Malta’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and addressing humanitarian needs across Africa. This gathering not only reinforced the Order’s dedication to its mission but also highlighted the importance of collaboration in supporting health and development initiatives throughout the continent.
