The diplomatic activities of the Order are closely linked to its humanitarian mission: in fact, the presence of accredited diplomatic missions in more than 92 countries of the world supports the activities of the Order. In the international political field, the Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and non-political. Therefore, due to these characteristics, the Order can act as a mediator whenever a State pleads its intervention to settle a dispute.
The Order has experienced a steady increase in its diplomatic relations in recent years. Today the Order has Embassies in 92 countries - many of which are non-Catholic - and missions to major European countries, as well as to European and international organisations.

The Order of Malta has permanent missions to the following international organisations:

United Nations - New York, Geneva, Vienna
European Commission - Brussels
UNESCO - United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation - Paris
FAO - Food and Agricultural Organisation - Rome
UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Geneva
International Committee of the Red Cross - Geneva
World Health Organisation - Geneva
Council of Europe - Strasbourg
International Organisation for Migration - Geneva
International Committee of Military Medicine and Pharmacology - Brussels
UNIDROIT-International Institute for the Unification of Private Law - Rome
The International Institute of Humanitarian Law - Sanremo, Geneva

Pursuant to international law, the Order maintains full diplomatic relations with 92 countries.

The Order is also accredited by Delegations to the Governments of the following countries:

Belgium
France
Germany
Luxembourg
Principality of Monaco
Switzerland