The excellent diplomatic relations and the historic friendship between the Order of Malta and Poland were celebrated during an official visit which took place today in Warsaw, where the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, was received by the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
The meeting was also attended by the Grand Commander, Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Hospitaller Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis, the Receiver of the Common Treasure Fabrizio Colonna, and the Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Poland, Niels Lorijn.
During the talks, Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed his appreciation for the Order of Malta’s enormous commitment to assisting Ukrainian refugees but also for the activities carried out in Bethlehem through the Holy Family Hospital. The Grand Master praised Poland’s prompt response in the aftermath of Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine – when millions of refugees crossed the border – and the generosity shown by the Polish people and government, opening the doors to a massive flow of refugees, and guaranteeing them assistance.
Both Poland and the Order of Malta renewed their appeal for dialogue and peace and reiterated their full commitment to continue helping those in need. In this sense, the Grand Master hoped for the further strengthening of cooperation with Poland and new partnerships for the benefit of the most vulnerable and invited the President to visit the Grand Magistry in Rome in 2025 to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Following a luncheon offered by President Duda to the Grand Master and his delegation, the Grand Master laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Sovereign Order of Malta and Poland have maintained diplomatic relations since 1990. The Polish Association was established in 1920 and has approximately 150 members. The Polish Rescue Corps, founded in 1990, relies on the commitment of over one thousand volunteers.
See link to video.
