The perspectives for a solution of the conflict in Ukraine were the focus of the first official visit of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, to the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap. Held today in Rome at the Magistral Palace, the meeting coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and follows the visit of the Grand Master to Warsaw last year.
The two leaders shared their great concern about the current global crises, in particular the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine. “Poland and the Order of Malta share the same Christian principles of solidarity, social justice and respect for human dignity,” said Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, who added: “Our humanitarian collaboration testifies to this common commitment, especially towards the most vulnerable. I am confident that this cooperation will continue to develop, particularly in those areas where our activities can be integrated with the Polish health system and be of even greater support”.
During the meeting, the President of Poland expressed deep appreciation for the Order of Malta’s activities, particularly for Ukrainian refugees.
President Duda awarded the Grand Master the highest honour of Poland, the Order of the White Eagle. After the exchange of decorations, Fra’ John Dunlap gave his best wishes to President Duda for the completion of his mandate and future activities, also expressing his gratitude to the First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, for her commitment to social solidarity causes.
The Order of Malta in Poland
The diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Poland were established on 9th June 1990. The birth of the Polish association of the Order dates back to 1920. After the World War II, Poland came under the occupation of the Soviet Union and the medical activity of the association was banned. Its activities were resumed in Warsaw on October 14, 1992.
The Order’s Relief Corps in this country has been providing assistance to thousands of people through a wide range of social programmes since 1990. Currently, some 1,200 volunteers and 360 employees in Poland are supporting the elderly, disadvantaged children, the disabled and refugees.
In 2021, the Order of Malta supported communities affected by the migration crisis on the border between Poland and Belarus and since the war began in Ukraine (2022) it has stepped up its assistance to thousands of Ukrainian refugees, with over 60 centres and innovative projects, including psychological support programmes for trauma victims. In this regard, a letter of intent is being defined between the Order’s Chancellery and the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine to further strengthen cooperation.
