An exchange of views on the situation of the regional context in Middle East, with particular reference to Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, was the focus of today’s meeting between the Gran Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and the Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, on her first official visit to the Order of Malta. The talks, which were also attended by the Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz, took place at the Magistral Villa on the Aventine Hill.

Possibilities of collaboration have been explored, focusing on the Order of Malta’s activities in Palestine, which revolve around the neonatal care Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and the humanitarian aid project in Gaza, in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Minister of European and International Affairs expressed her appreciation for the social and healthcare activities of the Order of Malta in Austria, as well as in the main crisis theatres.

Today’s meeting precedes the official visit of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, which will take place in Vienna next November.