Lino Bugeja (‘Dignity and recognition’, July 11) expressed a certain measure of disappointment at the perceived lack of recognition due to be paid to Vittoriosa next September.

I would like to assure him that the Order of Malta holds Vittoriosa, and indeed the Three Cities of Cottonera, in the very highest esteem. The Order has been graciously invited, by the Government of Malta, to participate in a series of events to be held in commemoration of the Great Siege of Malta of 1565, organised and coordinated by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts.

To honour Vittoriosa, the very first of these events shall be held in this historic city. This shall take the form of a solemn procession into the church of St Lawrence for a multi-cultural celebration of the friendship that, we hope, can help to unite Christianity and Islam. It shall be followed by the laying of a commemorative wreath at the foot of the monument to the Great Siege.

A large contingent of members of the Order is expected to gather in Malta for these events, led by the Order’s Sovereign Council. The Grand Master certainly intends to participate in the commemoration, and shall travel to Malta immediately upon the conclusion of his State Visit to Spain scheduled for that very weekend. Because of this he shall be personally unable to participate in the Vittoriosa event but will be represented by his deputy, the Grand Commander.

I am sure that Mr Bugeja has very vivid memories of the Grand Master’s delight on his having been honoured by the kind bestowal of the honorary citizenship of Vittoriosa on the occasion of his State Visit to Malta earlier this year.

I am also sure that he remembers the Grand Master’s historic visit to the church of St Lawrence, held that same day: another example of the mutual respect that the Order and Cottonera share, and a token of the Grand Master’s personal love for the city.

I would therefore urge Mr Bugeja to continue to treasure his Croce dell’Ordine al Merito Melitense, safe in the knowledge that Vittoriosa and Cottonera are accorded universal respect and admiration by the Order of Malta.