Members of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta were in Malta on a visit, organised to coincide with the 450th anniversary of Malta’s Great Siege.

Members of the 900-year-old order, more commonly known as the Order of Malta, included the Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager.

“The Great Siege remains important because it was a pivotal point in Europe’s history,” said Freiherr von Boeselager.

“Its significance is also enhanced by the recent events in the Mediterranean, which is once again in turmoil. The Sovereign Order of Malta is uniquely positioned to be a promoter of unity and mutual respect. Therefore, while commemorating historic events such as this, they must also be a catalyst to peaceful progress. It is important to remember that we need to work together to help tackle present and future circumstances in this region, including the current migrant crisis.”

Freiherr von Boeselager was also joined by Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, president of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Together with the Grand Commander and the Sovereign Council, they led a contingent of almost 300 to commemorate this significant milestone.

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