Humanitarian cooperation to be intensified

Today, 21 October, is the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of official relations between the Russian Federation and the Sovereign Order of Malta. For this occasion, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Grand Chancellor Albrecht Boeselager exchanged messages expressing their mutual esteem and confirming the solid cooperation developed over a quarter of a century.

“It is with satisfaction that we stress our joint initiatives in the cultural and humanitarian fields, in risk reduction after natural disasters and in emergency prevention” said Minister Lavrov. “Cooperation which,” he added, “we are eager to strengthen in these and other sectors of mutual interest”.

In his message, the Grand Chancellor recalled the main humanitarian activities the Order of Malta has carried out in Russia, opening – concurrently with the establishment of official relations in 1992 – health and social centres in Kaliningrad, Dubna, Smolensk, Saint Pietersburg and Moscow, some of which still offer valid support to the needy.

“For the Order of Malta, the re-establishment of bilateral relations in 1992 was a great opportunity to further develop its assistance mission and to bear witness to the Christian faith, to highlight what unites the two most important Christian denominations” said Albrecht Boeselager.

The excellent relations in the humanitarian sector between Russia and the Order of Malta are also confirmed by the numerous official encounters held both in Moscow and Rome and by the opening in 2016 of an Honorary Consulate in Saint Petersburg. “Initiatives that confirm our shared desire to intensify cooperation in vital areas such as the protection of holy places and projects to help the millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide,” the Grand Chancellor added.