Today the Foreign Minister of the Argentine Republic, Pablo Quirno Magrane, met with the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, on a work visit. The solidity of bilateral relations and the common intention to step up the Order’s humanitarian action in Argentina were confirmed.

The meeting reiterated the Order of Malta’s strategic attention to Latin America, a region that has played a central role since World War II, as recently highlighted by Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap in his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Order. The focus of the dialogue was the 10th Conference of the Americas, scheduled in Buenos Aires from 22 to 25 October 2026, an opportunity to promote new regional initiatives and coordinate the activities of the Order’s Associations on the continent. The conference will also be the point of departure for the Grand Master’s visit to some of the Southern Cone countries.

During the talks, the prospects for developing the Order’s social and humanitarian programmes in the country were discussed, with new instruments to support international projects, such as the Order of Malta Donors for Projects Foundation (OMDP). Confidence was also expressed in the forthcoming finalization of the text of the Cooperation Agreement between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Argentine Republic, which will represent a significant milestone after more than 75 years of diplomatic relations, helping to further facilitate current and future humanitarian cooperation.

In Argentina, the Order supports a range of initiatives in the social health and educational fields through volunteer activities, distribution of basic necessities, targeted contributions to paediatric and neonatal hospitals, assistance projects for vulnerable people, and first-aid training programmes. Simultaneously, healthcare and logistical support services are also provided during major religious pilgrimages, testifying to the Order’s commitment to the country’s social fabric.