President Gitanas Nausėda met with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, in Rome on Tuesday. The meeting focused on humanitarian aid to Ukraine, social and health projects in Lithuania, and international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.

The President expressed gratitude to the Order of Malta for its significant contribution to humanitarian efforts in Lithuania and around the world.

“The Order of Malta is a truly special organization, always present where help is needed most. Lithuania values its long-standing support for the most vulnerable members of society and its strong partnership in assisting Ukraine,” the President underlined. Since the outbreak of the war, the Order of Malta has provided humanitarian aid to more than 4 million Ukrainians, offering food, medical assistance, shelter, and psychosocial support.

During the meeting with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, the President also discussed the Order’s activities in Lithuania. For nearly 35 years, the Order of Malta Relief Organization has been supporting the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Today, it unites 2,000 volunteers across 45 locations in Lithuania.

“The Order of Malta is one of the most recognized charitable organizations in Lithuania, carrying out vital and impressive work. You were the first to come to Lithuania after the restoration of independence, introducing Western traditions of charity and firmly upholding them to this day,” President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized.

The discussion also focused on future joint projects between Lithuania and the Order of Malta, aimed at further strengthening humanitarian cooperation and expanding aid to those in need. The President thanked the Grand Master for the continued collaboration and valuable contribution to charitable initiatives.

“Thank you for your dedication to this noble mission that brings more kindness and justice into our daily lives. The fight against poverty and social inequality is a cause that is very important to both Diana and me. I pursue these goals through my vision of a welfare state, while Diana actively engages in various social projects,” Gitanas Nausėda said.

First Lady Diana Nausėdienė is an active supporter of the Order of Malta’s initiatives in Lithuania. She serves as a patron of children’s programs, supports Maltesers’ day care centers, and takes part in annual charity campaigns such as Big Ideas in a Small Heart and Maltesers Soup for elderly people living alone. She also promotes youth volunteering through the Connecting Generations program and participates in young Maltesers events, fostering a sense of community and encouraging greater public engagement in charitable initiatives.

The First Lady thanked the Grand Master for the meaningful historic meeting and warm hospitality. “May our shared efforts continue to unite us in the pursuit of peace, truth, and love of thy neighbor,” Diana Nausėdienė spoke.

The President extended an invitation to the Grand Master to visit Lithuania in 2026, the Year of Mercy.

The Order of Malta maintains diplomatic relations with more than 110 countries, holds permanent observer status at the United Nations, and actively participates in international humanitarian missions