The cooperation agreement for humanitarian assistance between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the government of the Republic of Colombia was signed today.

The agreement strengthens and extends the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Order and Colombia, also increasing the humanitarian aid the Order of Malta provides to private hospitals and charities in this country. On the basis of this agreement, which will become effective in 30 days, the Order of Malta will continue to promote and provide aid under the form of medical equipment and medicines to Colombian hospitals and charities. The aim is to help hospitals to treat low-income patients. The donations, which will be exempt from duties or taxes, will be distributed through the Order’s Colombian Association. The agreement will also enable the Order of Malta to provide emergency aid to Colombia during natural disasters.

Jean-Pierre Mazery, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta and Camillo Reyes Rodriguez, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, signed the agreement in the Order’s Magistral Palace in Rome.

Grand Master Fra’ Andrew Bertie asserted that: ”today’s signature confirms the fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Colombia and the Sovereign Order of Malta and will allow us to strengthen our assistance to the poor and needy”.

Also present at the signature were Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, Grand Hospitaller of the Order, Guillermo León Escobar-Herran, Ambassador of Colombia to the Order of Malta, and representatives of the Order’s government.

Diplomatic relations have been established between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of Colombia since 1957.