Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
25/10/2024
Ambassador Signs Protocol Establishing Diplomatic Relations with Burundi
The Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of Burundi have established full diplomatic relations. On 25 October, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to the African Union, Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, and Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union, signed a protocol of agreement in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia – for the establishment of diplomatic relations. “Together we can work to strengthen our efforts in health care, education, and social services, ensuring that the most marginalized in our societies receive the support they need. The Sovereign Order of Malta stands ready to partner with the Republic of Burundi in these endeavours, leveraging our extensive network of aid and resources to foster sustainable development and improve the lives of those we serve” stated Ambassador Murphy on the occasion of the ceremony. The Republic of Burundi becomes the 39th African nation to entertain diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta. The number of countries with which the Sovereign Order of Malta enjoys diplomatic relations thus rises to 114.
22/10/2024
King of Lesotho Received at Grand Chancery in Rome
The Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta received on 15th October, King Letsie III of Lesotho. Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Lejone Mpotjoana, King Letsie III was welcomed at the Magistral Palace, seat of the Order’s government, by the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Hospitaller Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis and the inaugural Ambassador of the Order to Lesotho Michael P. Murphy, KM.
21/10/2024
Renovation of Africa Hall Attended by the Ambassador
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Michael P. Murphy, KM and Deputy Head of Mission Merha Agonafer attended the Inauguration of Africa Hall, which celebrates the festive reopening of this historic building. Following extensive renovations, Africa Hall now stands as a modernized yet historically preserved site, reflecting its continued significance in pan-African and global diplomacy in light of its history as the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). The ceremony was attended by The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, representing the Chairperson of the African Union and H.E. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
11/10/2024
Ambassador and Papal Nuncio Discuss Collaboration in Burundi
The Ambassador and HE Archbishop +Dieudonné Datonou, Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi met over lunch in Bujumbura to discuss possible areas of collaboration. Ambassador Murphy discussed the ongoing effort of the Order of Malta to achieve bilateral relations with the Republic of Burundi and Archbishop Datonou indicated that he would assist in all possible ways to achieve this goal.
10/10/2024
Ambassador Gives Keynote Address
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM gave the keynote Address at the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law inaugural Air Law Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda on the importance of "One African Sky."
09/10/2024
Ambassador in Audience with Archbishop of Kigali
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM and SMOM Embassy Nairobi First Secretary Sam Mattock payed a courtesy call on His Eminence +Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, Rwanda. The discussion centered around the activities of the Order of Malta in Africa and the desire to establish bilateral diplomatic relations with the Republic of Rwanda. His Eminence was supportive and gave his blessing to move forward.
06/10/2024
Ambassador Attends Lesotho Bicentennial Celebration
In a vibrant display of national pride, thousands of Basotho gathered at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Friday to celebrate the dual milestones of Lesotho’s 58th independence anniversary and the 200th anniversary of its founding by King Moshoeshoe I. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with citizens donning traditional attire, including the iconic Basotho blanket, as they commemorated their rich heritage. The festivities were graced by several high-profile international dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Dlamini, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM attended on behalf of the Order of Malta. Lesotho gained independence from British rule on 4 October 1966, a pivotal moment that marked the end of colonial governance and the beginning of self-determination for the Basotho people. The nation’s founding, however, dates back to 1824, when King Moshoeshoe I unified various clans to establish a cohesive entity in the face of external pressures and internal conflicts. His leadership laid the foundation for the modern nation of Lesotho, which has since navigated various challenges while maintaining its cultural identity.
03/10/2024
Ambassador Visits the Archbishop of Maseru
In a momentous occasion for both the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho, Ambassador Michael Murphy paid an official visit to His Grace, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Maseru, +Gerard Tlali Lerotholi, OMI. This meeting was not only a celebration of Lesotho's bicentennial but also a reaffirmation of the Order's commitment to serving the poor and the sick in Lesotho. The atmosphere during the meeting was marked by warmth and mutual respect. Ambassador Murphy, representing the Sovereign Order of Malta, engaged in a dialogue with Archbishop Gerard that reflected their shared values and goals. The cordiality of their interaction was evident, as both leaders expressed a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of the vulnerable in Lesotho.
25/09/2024
Grand Chancellor Holds Bilateral Talks with the Kingdom of Lesotho
The Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, HE Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, accompanied by Ambassador Paul Berresford-Hill, the Order's Permanent Representative at the United Nations and Ambassador Michael Murphy the Order's Permanent Representative to the African Union, held a bilateral session with His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho at the Lesotho Mission to the United Nations on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly opening. Several important government officials from both sides attended. The meeting was cordial and reflected the positive momentum on the signing of bilateral diplomatic relations. Ambassador Murphy will very soon travel to Maseru to present his credentials to His Majesty and open the mission.