On 18 May 2001, in the Magistral Palace in Rome, His Most Eminent Highness, the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, granted solemn audience to H.E. the Ambassador Vitaly Litvin, representatve of the Russian Federation, for the presentation of letters of credence by which he will be accredited to the Sovereign Order.

The Grand Master emphasised the attention the Order has always given to the Russian Federation, showing great interest in the modernisation process under way in the country. The Grand Master observed that the Ambassador’s new mission will further enhance existing diplomatic relationships with the Order and develop the activities carried out in cooperation with the relevant authorities so that the principles of peace and solidarity may prevail.