On 9 June, President Edgars Rinkēvičs, met at Riga Castle with His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Timothy Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, who arrived in Latvia on an official visit as part of his tour of the three Baltic states.
During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, with particular emphasis on the activities of the Order’s relief service in Latvia, as well as support for Ukraine.
The President expressed gratitude for the Order of Malta’s support for Latvia, especially during the early years following the restoration of independence. “I wish to convey Latvia’s sincere gratitude for the Order of Malta’s ongoing support to the most vulnerable groups in our society – the economically disadvantaged, seniors, people with disabilities, orphans, and families in crisis. Today, symbolically, we shall visit one of the projects in Riga – the day centre for people with dementia, ‘Sarah’s Garden’,” said President Rinkēvičs.
The discussion also included an exchange of views on support for Ukraine. The President of Latvia emphasised that Latvia and the Order of Malta share similar priorities in assisting Ukraine – notably the protection of Ukrainian children, as well as the provision of psychosocial and healthcare services. “We highly value the Order of Malta’s assistance to vulnerable groups in society worldwide, including in Ukraine, and to Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. It is crucial to draw the attention of the international community to the situation of deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children. Equally commendable is the Order’s support for civilians in the Middle East,” President Rinkēvičs highlighted.
President of Latvia noted the vital work of the Order of Malta in conflict zones around the world, where both civilians and aid workers face significant security risks. “Latvia greatly appreciates the Order of Malta’s important role in upholding international humanitarian law and its steadfast commitment to the observance of these principles. Latvia utilises its membership of the UN Security Council to advocate for respect for international law and the protection of human rights, particularly in regions affected by conflict,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs.
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Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Order of Malta were established on 15 August 1995. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a Roman Catholic religious order and a subject of international law, with the right to establish diplomatic relations and conclude agreements.
The Order of Malta is one of the oldest Christian religious orders in the world, with a history spanning over 900 years. Its origins are linked to Brother Gerard, who founded Hospitaller community of St. John in Jerusalem towards the end of the 11th century. In 1099, this became known as the Order of the Hospital of Saint John.
By the Papal Bull of Pope Paschal II dated 15 February 1113, the Order was officially placed under the protection of the Holy See, gaining autonomous status and international recognition. From 1126, the Order began to define its identity – providing care for the sick and pilgrims, as well as defending Christian territories against Muslim forces. After being expelled from Jerusalem by Muslim forces, the Order’s headquarters moved first to Cyprus, then the island of Rhodes, until Emperor Charles V granted it the island of Malta, where it experienced its greatest period of prosperity. When Napoleon Bonaparte took Malta, the Order lost its territorial base. Later, when the island came under British control, Rome became the new centre of the Order in 1834.
