Strengthening the link between diplomatic activities and humanitarian action, developing new opportunities for cooperation, and identifying tools and partnerships to support the Order of Malta’s operations in Africa. These were the main themes of the two-day working session which, on 13 and 14 September, brought together in Rome the Ambassadors of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta accredited to the countries within the area of operation of Ordre de Malte France.
Hosted at the Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi, the meeting facilitated dialogue between the Ambassadors, the Grand Magistry and the leadership of Ordre de Malte France, alongside representatives of international institutions and experts in development cooperation.
The proceedings were opened by the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo: addressing the Ambassadors, he noted that their role is not limited to institutional representation but, thanks to their presence and knowledge of local conditions, helps to make the Order’s work ‘more useful, more concrete and more visible’.
This role is particularly significant on the African continent, where the Order is gradually consolidating its diplomatic presence. Over the last three years, the Grand Chancellor noted, the number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta has risen from 112 to 115; new agreements, largely with African countries, are expected in the coming months. At the same time, the Grand Magistry is working to expand and update bilateral cooperation agreements, which are essential tools for effectively facilitating the work of the Order’s organisations on the ground.
The President of Ordre de Malte France, Cédric Chalret du Rieu, emphasised that collaboration between the embassies and the operational structures of Ordre de Malte France is particularly important in Africa, where knowledge of local contexts and the institutional relationships developed by the ambassadors can support and consolidate the Order’s health, social and humanitarian activities.
The proceedings focused in particular on international cooperation and the forging of new partnerships, which are increasingly necessary at a time when resources allocated to humanitarian aid are dwindling. The topics of fundraising, the sustainability of activities and coordination between the Order’s various entities worldwide were at the heart of the various sessions, which also featured contributions from the Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau and the Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fra’ Francis Vassallo.
The role of the European Union in development aid and crisis response was explored in depth by Martin Selmayr, European Union Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Monsignor Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation and former Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, finally shared his international experience with the participants, illustrating the complex contexts in which the Catholic Church operates in Africa.
