The Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, received Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, today at Palazzo Orsini, on his first visit to the Order of Malta.
During the meeting, the Grand Chancellor renewed his congratulations to Minister Kajzer on his recent appointment in June 2026, expressing his hope for close cooperation throughout his term. The talks focussed on the solid bilateral relations established in 1992, a year after Slovenia’s independence, and the prospects for further strengthening cooperation, particularly in the humanitarian and social sectors.
During the discussions, the value was stressed of the Order’s humanitarian cooperation in Slovenia through the National Association and the Relief Corps, engaged in assistance activities for the most vulnerable, including emergency situations caused by natural disasters, such as the 2023 floods.
Particular attention was paid to the prospects for further development of cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing forms of cooperation in third countries.
The importance of multilateralism and diplomatic dialogue notwithstanding the increasing proliferation of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises was also stressed. The Grand Chancellor reiterated the Order’s commitment to promoting, in international fora, a multilateral approach to conflict resolution and full respect for international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, with particular attention to the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. Within this framework, the values of human dignity, solidarity, service to vulnerable people and international cooperation were shared, in view of the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence that guide the Order’s humanitarian action.
The Order of Malta in Slovenia
The activities of the National Association and OMAS (Order of Malta Aid Slovenia) focus mainly on: first-aid to pilgrims at different shrines, medical care, distribution of foodstuffs, medicines and hygiene items, school transport and accommodation for needy families and elderly people in rural and remote areas, asylum-seekers and migrants as well as the organization of summer camps and other initiatives for Roma children. The Order’s entities in Slovenia intervene in emergency situations and natural disasters in the country and abroad, such as in 2020 for the Beirut explosion, in 2021 for the earthquake in Croatia, in 2023 for the severe floods in Slovenia (the worst natural disaster ever to occur nationwide, with €9.9 billion in damages), and in 2023 for the earthquake in Turkey. Between 2020 and 2024, the Order also contributed to the reception and resettlement in Slovenia of citizens of Slovenian origin repatriated from Venezuela. Since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022, the Order has collaborated with the Slovak Relief Service, providing humanitarian aid and assisting refugees.
