The President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou welcomed him to the Presidential Palace Grand Wizard of the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta, John Dunlap, emphasizing that the his first official visit it will be the beginning of a closer cooperation on issues of common interest, such as culture, the refugee-immigrant issue, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid to our fellow human beings who are being tested.

Mrs. Sakellaropoulou recalled that the Hellenic Republic and the Sovereign Military Hospital Battalion of Malta only entered into diplomatic relations in December 2021, but noted that “our long-standing joint presence in the Mediterranean region as well as our understanding of contemporary issues, such as strengthening and defending religious freedom and interfaith dialogue are solid foundations 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 project renovation of part of the Museum of the Palace of the Knights and added that “Your work in the elimination and reduction of human suffering is particularly important, especially in times like today, when the principles of solidarity and humanity are being tested in many regions of the world, in Ukraine, in the Middle East, but also in many other points”.

For his part, Grand Master John Dunlap, after thanking the President of the Republic for the invitation and warm hospitality, asserted that “Today’s visit will give new impetus to the bilateral relations between Greece and the Order, relations that have been especially strengthened after the start of our 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 participate in the opening of the exhibition that will be hosted in the Grand Master’s palace” and pointed out that “The renovation of this particular palace is a tribute to our appreciation for 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 the poor people around the world and those who are being tested.”

In conclusion, he emphasized that he looks forward to working with the Greek authorities, “so that we can improve the well-being in your country as well, the well-being of all those who are being tested today and really once again, thank you for your kind invitation.”

Extended talks between the two delegations followed and then the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in a special ceremony, awarded the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta, John Dunlap, the Grand Cross of the Order of Sotiros.

In turn, the Grand Master presented the President with the Necklace of the Order pro Merito Melitensi.