The engagements of President of Malta George Vella in Italy continued on Saturday morning with an official meeting with Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta at the Magistral Palace.

President Vella and Grand Master Dunlap referred to the excellent and friendly relations between Malta and the Order, which have historical roots. President Vella stated that this visit commemorates the unique and historical relations between Malta and the Order.

The President expressed the hope that Malta and the Order will cooperate more closely and visibly through practical projects in the Maltese islands. “This may involve projects of a humanitarian nature, but also with the aim of enabling the public to better experience the architectural heritage of the Order in Malta,” stated the President.

This meeting follows Grand Master Dunlap’s visit to Malta last June.

The engagements of the President, Mrs Vella and the Maltese delegation in Rome also included mass celebrated by Cardinal Mario Grech at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Damaso. Cardinal Grech thanked President Vella for his work in the last five years. “You taught us by word and example not to throw stones at each other even when others are pelting us with stones,” stated Cardinal Grech, wishing that this non-violent way of life guides us in the way we behave with each other, both in our everyday life and in political life and international relations.

After mass, the President and Mrs Vella spent some time with members of the Maltese community in Rome.