Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta

Humanitarian Diplomacy

Linking diplomacy with aid

The diplomatic relations which the Sovereign Order of Malta enjoys with 113 countries and the European Union, its permanent observer status at the United Nations and international Cooperation Agreements concluded with over 50 states, exist to facilitate its humanitarian activities, and allow unrestricted and protected access especially in crisis regions.

The Order’s diplomatic network strengthens its relationships with the governments of the countries in which it operates. This network allows its medical programmes to be integrated into national and regional healthcare systems and to facilitate the importing of healthcare equipment to reach people in need as quickly as possible.

Bilateral relations

Bilateral relations with 113 states

The diplomatic activities of the Sovereign Order of Malta are closely linked to its humanitarian mission: the presence of accredited diplomatic missions in more than 100 countries of the world supports the activities of the Order.

Multilateral Relations

Supporting humanitarian action

Multilateral relations with the United Nations, European Union and the principal international organisations allow the Sovereign Order of Malta to take its expertise from the field to the diplomatic table.