President Pellegrini Visits Sovereign Order of Malta

Rome, 4 December (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini visited the Sovereign Order of Malta on Thursday during his working trip to Rome, Italy, thanking the representatives of the Order for their work and assistance in Slovakia in the areas of education, health care, and social services, the President's Office told TASR on Thursday, adding that the head of state met with Grand Master Fra' John Dunlap, who plans to visit Slovakia next year. "The president visited the Sovereign Order of Malta as the first Slovak head of state in twenty years. ... Slovakia and the Order of Malta are united by common Christian values and concern for people in need. Grand Master Dunlap therefore plans to visit Slovakia in person next year, which will enable us to deepen our cooperation, for example in the field of humanitarian aid to third countries," said the President's Office. Thursday's meeting focused on the Order's activities in Slovakia. Among other things, the Slovak president praised last year's establishment of the Slovak branch of the Order of Malta, highlighting the Order of Malta's long-term efforts in defending international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and promoting religious freedom. According to Pellegrini, this is in line with our own foreign policy priorities. Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine was also debated. In this regard, the head of state noted that Slovakia supports "all serious and diplomatic efforts leading to the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace" and pointed to the Slovak Republic's continued assistance to Ukraine, particularly through financial support and targeted energy aid. am