Today in Bratislava, the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, paid an official visit to the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini. This was a central moment in a solid and continuously evolving bilateral dialogue, initiated with the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, and now characterized by close collaboration on humanitarian and healthcare issues.
Welcomed at the Presidential Palace with military honours, the Grand Master held, in an atmosphere of great cordiality, a private meeting with President Pellegrini who expressed his gratitude to the Order of Malta for its work in the country: “You are doing a great job in Slovakia. You are a unique Organization and a trusted partner: neutral and well respected”. The encounter reaffirmed the excellent state of relations between the Order of Malta and the Slovak Republic and explored the prospects for increasingly intense cooperation, both internationally and in the field of public health.
Talks then continued with the respective delegations, offering an opportunity for a broad discussion on the main areas of cooperation. In this context, the role of Malteser Aid Slovakia was highlighted; active since 2014 with a network of volunteers engaged in healthcare assistance and social inclusion programs for the elderly, homeless, people with disabilities, Ukrainian refugees, and Roma communities. Particular attention was given to the Order’s commitment in response to the war in Ukraine, both in Slovakia— where the organization was among the first to intervene at the border— and internationally, with substantial humanitarian aid and innovative projects, including psychological support programs for those affected by the conflict.
During the discussion, deep concern was also shared regarding ongoing international crises, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. Opportunities for collaboration within the Order’s projects in Gaza and Lebanon were then discussed. Pellegrini conveyed his deepest condolences for the loss of Chadi Ammar, a member of the Lebanese Association’s staff, who was killed in an airstrike in the south of the country.
The Grand Master expressed sincere gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome, also recalling President Pellegrini’s recent visit to the Order last December and his participation in the celebrations for the founding of the Slovak National Association in 2024, a significant milestone in strengthening the Order’s presence in the country.
In the early afternoon, the visit continued to Topoľčany, where Pellegrini and Fra’ John Dunlap jointly visited the St. Louis and Zélie Martin Community Centre, managed by Malteser Aid Slovakia. After a tour of the facility, during which the educational, healthcare, and family support programs were presented, the two leaders attended a performance by children from the Roma community, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The Centre, inaugurated in 2023 following the redevelopment of a former industrial complex, now serves as a fundamental point of reference for the local community, offering daily support to children and families through educational activities, social assistance, and inclusion programs. In this context, the Grand Master expressed deep appreciation for President Pellegrini’s presence, emphasizing how this gesture represents strong encouragement for all those working in the field.
The program will continue tomorrow with further institutional meetings: the Order’s Grand Chancellor will be received by the Slovak Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Grand Hospitaller will meet with the Minister of Health.
