The Sovereign Order of Malta’s second conference dedicated to the African Diplomatic Corps was held in Rome on 11 September, at the Magistral Villa, the Order’s seat of government. Some 40 ambassadors and diplomats representing African states were present, a few days after Africa Day commemorating the foundation of the African Union.

There are 38 countries, out of the 54 members of the African Union, with which the Order of Malta enjoys diplomatic relations. In addition to the ambassadors accredited to the Order, the second conference was also attended by ambassadors from African countries with which the Order of Malta does not have diplomatic relations.

Addressing the ambassadors, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò of Montecupo recalled the characteristics and objectives of the Order’s diplomacy: “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”.

“Diplomats help to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach crisis areas while giving political protection to humanitarian workers, whether by cooperating with local forces or relying on their own resources,” the Grand Chancellor said. Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo also recalled the Order of Malta ambassadors’ dual role.  An institutional one, organizing that “silent diplomacy” specific to the Order of Malta, which often happens without much fanfare and behind the scenes, and a more operational one, in which the local community is supported.

The Order of Malta is active in 35 African countries, through Ordre de Malte France and Malteser International, its international relief agency, and runs hospitals, medical centres and dispensaries providing basic and emergency health care, as well as psychosocial support projects. The Order’s hospital and clinics also assist patients with HIV, malaria and tuberculosis and many are specialized in mother-and-child care. Malteser International is active in providing relief to those affected by disasters and wars, as well as in post-disaster interventions. There are also many initiatives for infrastructure upgrading, water systems, sustainability projects and disaster risk reduction.

The first projects funded by OMPD (Order of Malta Projects for Donors) in Namibia and Morocco were presented during the conference, which also indorsed the Order’s commitment to combating the “false orders” phenomenon.