The joint commitment to peace and the need for a multilateral approach to resolving global crises was the focus of the meeting between the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, and the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, on an official visit to the Magistral Palace in Rome today. Humanitarian aid to the victims of the conflict in Ukraine was also discussed, highlighting the Order of Malta’s initiatives to assist the affected populations.
The Grand Master welcomed President Nausėda and First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, again congratulating the president on his re-election last May. President Nausėda expressed great appreciation for the activities carried out in Lithuania by the Order of Malta, who represents “one of the most well-known humanitarian organizations in Lithuania, and the first to bring its exemplary charitable work to our country after independence”.
Lithuania and Order of Malta said Fra’ John Dunlap, “share our deep concern for the massive human suffering caused by the conflict in Ukraine. We shall continue to assist the population for as long as necessary, supporting any effort that may lead to a just and lasting peace”. Again thanking the Grand Master for his welcome, President Nausėda invited him to visit Lithuania.
The Sovereign Order of Malta and Lithuania have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1992. Almost 33 years of intense cooperation, demonstrated – in addition to the mutual exchange of visits at the highest level – both by the signing of a Postal Agreement (1999) and a Cooperation Agreement (2017) as well as by the numerous humanitarian initiatives carried out.
Order of Malta in Lithuania
Today, with some 2000 volunteers and 170 employees, the Order of Malta’s Relief Organisation in Lithuania (MOPT) is one of the largest humanitarian entities in the country. It operates in 45 locations with social assistance programmes actively supported by local authorities, for the elderly and children in financial distress, people with disabilities and refugees from various countries, in particular Ukrainians.
During the meeting, it was announced that a Baltic States Delegation will be established on 7 February 2025, which will constitute the first nucleus for the future creation of a National Association of the Order for the Knights and Dames of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. An initiative that confirms the growing presence of the Order in those countries.
In conclusion, the Grand Master expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for her closeness with the Order’s projects. In particular, he appreciated her visit to the St John the Baptist Care Home, which opened three years ago, while announcing the imminent creation of a new facility for the elderly.
