The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, together with Bank of Valletta, Mapfre, Malta Libraries, Heritage Malta and the Order of Malta proudly unveiled a newly crafted showcase, donated by BOV, to hold the historic Deed of Donation of the Maltese Islands, signed by Emperor Charles V in 1530. This momentous document marks the pivotal moment when Malta was ceded to the Order of St John.

The unveiling ceremony was presided over by the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, who stressed the importance of these initiatives, which not only preserve our country's history, but also raise awareness of their significance at local and international level. He stressed how crucial collaboration between entities make such projects a success. Minister Bonnici said that these activities, which commemorate historic events such as the donation of the islands to the Knights of St John, help make Maltese heritage more appreciated and accessible to all, while further strengthening Malta's cultural and historical identity.

The unveiling ceremony, held in the Reading Room of the National Library of Malta, commemorates the 500th anniversary of Emperor Charles V's decision to grant Malta to the Knights. This decision marked the beginning of Malta's transformation into a distinct political entity, forever altering the archipelago's destiny. This unveiling is the beginning of a six-year project to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Deed of Donation. With support from Bank of Valletta, Mapfre, Heritage Malta and the Order of Malta, events will include exhibitions, lectures, concerts and symposia until 2030, fostering an enduring appreciation for Malta's rich heritage and European roots.

Speaking during the ceremony Cheryl Falzon, national librarian and CEO of Malta Libraries stated: "The shared vision of all the collaborating entities was to highlight the immense historical importance of this document while ensuring its long-term preservation."

BOV chairman Dr Gordon Cordina said: "I am extremely proud to be representing Bank of Valetta on this special occasion in the unveiling of the newly-crafted showcase that will now house this historic deed. Bank of Valletta has been offering tangible support to various aspects of local community life through our extensive CSR programme, and today's event ties in well with these efforts. I take this opportunity to renew our commitment to continue making a positive impact on the communities that we serve."

In his intervention, His Excellency José María Muriel said: "The Deed of Donation is a landmark of our common history, not centuries but millennia old. This common project, which will extend from 2024 to 2030, and which will include concerts, talks and exhibitions, stems from our duty to safeguard and understand our shared past, present and future, celebrating it and aspiring to make it known."