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
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.
24/09/2024
Ambassador Meets with the President of Guinea-Bissau
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union held a constructive meeting with His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló the President of Guinea-Bissau on the margins of the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly.
23/09/2024
Ambassador meets with the King and Queen of Lesotho
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union held a series of meetings with their majesties the King and Queen of Lesotho on the margins of the United Nations 79th General Assembly in New York. Constructive talks were held about capacity building and the recent establishment of bilateral relations. He responded to His Majesty's gracious introduction of the Order of Malta to the Basotho people and various dignitaries of the government of Lesotho with prepared remarks.