President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou welcomed at the Presidential Mansion on Friday the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta, Fra John Dunlap, underlining that his first official visit will be the beginning of closer cooperation in matters common interest, such as culture, migration and the provision of humanitarian aid.
Sakellaropoulou pointed out that the Hellenic Republic and the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta have only established diplomatic relations since December 2021, while noting that “their long common presence in the region of the Mediterranean as well as their common views on modern issues, such as the strengthening and defence of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, is a solid foundation for our bilateral relations”.
Referring to the upcoming visit of the Grand Master to the island of Rhodes, she expressed her appreciation for his contribution to the renovation of part of the Museum of the Palace of the Knights and added: “Your work to eliminate and reduce human suffering is particularly important, especially in times like today, when the principles of solidarity and humanity are being tested in many parts of the world, in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in many other places.”
On his part the Grand Master thanked Sakellaropoulou for the invitation and her warm hospitality and claimed that “today’s visit will give a new boost to bilateral relations between Greece and the Order, relations that have been significantly strengthened after the start of the diplomatic relations in 2021. But the ties that connect us are much older and start in the 14th century, when the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem arrived in Rhodes and stayed there for about 200 years.”
He also added that “during my visit to the island of Rhodes, I will visit and take part in the inauguration of an exhibition that will be hosted in the Palace of the Grand Master,” noting that “the restoration of the specific palace is a tribute to our appreciation of Greece and its history and proves the excellent relations that connect us.”
As Grand Master John Dunlap said, “Even today, our motto is the source of our inspiration, defending the faith and helping the poor. This motto inspires our actions and pushes us to defend poor people around the world and those who are suffering.”
In conclusion, he emphasised that he is looking forward to working with the Greek authorities, “so that we can improve prosperity in your country as well, the prosperity of all those who are now suffering and really once again, thank you for your kind invitation.”
Extended talks between the two delegations followed and then President Sakellaropoulou, in a special ceremony, awarded the Grand Master the Grand Cross of the Order of Redeemer.
In turn, the Grand Master presented the President with the Necklace of the Order pro Merito Melitensi.
Source: ANA-MPA
