Order of Malta expands diplomatic network to 118 countries

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has expanded its diplomatic network following a week of meetings held during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo met with various government and institutional representatives to conclude new cooperation agreements.

Through new agreements with Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, the Order now maintains diplomatic relations with 118 countries. This includes 42 states across Africa. The expansion aims to consolidate the Order's international presence and strengthen humanitarian diplomacy amid a changing geopolitical landscape.

During the assembly, the Grand Chancellor held meetings with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, the Foreign Minister of Lebanon, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Germany. These discussions focused on developing new forms of collaboration and humanitarian assistance, a mission also highlighted through the Order's participation in the Crimea Platform and its ongoing aid activities in Ukraine.