The Minister of Human Capital of the Argentine Republic, Sandra Viviana Pettovello, met today with the Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Josef D. Blotz, at the Magistral Palace.

Recalling the excellent relations that have existed between the two parties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948, the meeting reaffirmed the determination to enhance the Order’s humanitarian action in Argentina and throughout Latin America. This region is of crucial importance to the Order, as stressed last January by Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap in his speech to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Order of Malta.

The meeting was also a chance to exchange information and ideas on new possible social and humanitarian initiatives.

The parties are working on a bilateral Cooperation Agreement that would help to facilitate present and future humanitarian activities.

The 10th Conference of the Americas, scheduled from 22 to 25 October 2026 in Buenos Aires, was also mentioned as an opportunity to define new regional strategies and coordinate activities between the Order’s various associations operating in the continent, starting with Argentina itself. The Conference will also be the starting point for a visit by the Grand Master to some countries of the Southern Cone.

In Argentina, the Order promotes numerous initiatives in the social, health, and educational fields, through volunteer activities and the distribution of basic necessities, contributions aimed at hospital facilities and paediatric wards, projects to care for vulnerable people and first-aid training programmes. Healthcare and logistics facilities during important religious pilgrimages are also witness to the deep roots in Argentina’s social fabric.