The excellent diplomatic relations and the historic friendship between the Order of Malta and Poland were celebrated during the 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 excellent state of diplomatic relations between Poland and the Order of Malta is confirmed by the various official visits exchanged over the years, by the cooperation agreements and by the organization of joint cultural initiatives (…) I am confident that this visit and the exchange of opinions we had on topics of common interest will contribute to further strengthening our relations and our fruitful cooperation”, said the Grand Master during the meeting, which 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 Lorijin.

During the talks, 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. A commitment shared by the Order of Malta, whose Polish Association, alongside other entities of the Order and other global partners, has provided the equivalent of 22 million euros of aid to 63,000 refugees and 507,000 people in Ukraine.

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.

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 Rome, at the Grand Magistry, in 2025 to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The humanitarian and welfare activities of the Order of Malta and their effective coordination were the themes at the center of the 30th International Hospitallers’ Conference which took place in Krakow from 15 to 17 March and which brought together 120 representatives from 35 countries. On Saturday, in the Wola Justowska district, the Grand Master presided over the ceremony for the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the mayor of Krakow, Jacek Majchrowski, in office since 2002, placed at the entrance to the rehabilitation center managed by the Order of Malta.

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 contribution of over a thousand volunteers.