On 17 May 2001, His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, granted solemn audience to the Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Walter Greinert, for the presentation of the letters of credence by which he will be accredited to the Sovereign Order.

While expressing his thanks, the new Ambassador stressed the commitment and the activities of the Order in Austria and in the world in defence of the principles of equality and freedom.

The Grand Master noted the ancient ties of friendship existing between the Order and Austria, thanks in part to the local Grand Priory, which has always collaborated with the Austrian authorities to spread Christian principles and to implement humanitarian initiatives, especially for Eastern Europe populations.