Today at the Magistral Villa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, met with the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo for a working visit.
During the meeting, the Grand Chancellor warmly welcomed the Minister on the occasion of his first visit to the Order, expressing deep satisfaction for the state of relations, initiated in 2020. Although relatively recent, these have stimulated an increasingly dynamic humanitarian cooperation through the formation of a relief corps in 2023 and subsequently with the establishment of the Baltic States Delegation, as the seed of a future Association of the Order.
In the talks, the upcoming official visit of the Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap to Estonia was recalled, scheduled for June 11, 2026, at the invitation of President Alar Karis. This visit also includes the signing of a cooperation agreement, aimed at promoting the development of humanitarian projects. A shared intention emerged to further strengthen cooperation in the field of crisis management and prevention, building on the experience gained by the Order’s relief corps in Estonia. Today, the corps includes about 300 volunteers engaged in social inclusion activities for the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The parties shared a common concern for various international crisis scenarios. With reference to the conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, the Sovereign Order of Malta reiterated its commitment to supporting the Ukrainian population through a network of over 60 assistance centers and innovative projects, including psychological support for those affected by war trauma. The situation in the Middle East was also discussed, specifically in Lebanon and Palestine, with particular attention to the ongoing conflict, which is negatively impacting humanitarian activities, exacerbated by rising prices and travel restrictions.
The Relief Corps of the Order in Estonia
Established in 2023, the Relief Corps has developed a network of collaborations with numerous associations and national entities, working to support in favor of the most vulnerable populations, with socially significant activities aimed at the elderly, those in need, and children with special needs. Among its main activities, the organization ensures the distribution of meals, provides transportation for people with disabilities, and offers home assistance for the elderly and those living alone. Alongside direct assistance, the Order actively promotes a culture of resilience through first aid and prevention training programs. Since 2023, the Relief Corps has been organizing, in cooperation with the Estonian Paralympic Committee, the “Para Sports Weekend,” an initiative aimed at children with disabilities, promoting the spread and practice of Paralympic sports.
