Seychelles and Order of Malta share affinity
Mon, 25 October 2010
October 25, 2010 -- President James Michel has met with the Prince and the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, His Most Eminent Highness Fra' Matthew Festing in the Palazzo Magistrale, in Rome.
"A natural affinity exists between the Order of Malta and the Republic of Seychelles. This affinity is based on shared ideas and values," said President Michel during the meeting.
Fra' Festing described the Seychelles as an example of how a developing country can successfully provide a good health system for its population.
The President and the Grand Master discussed ongoing cooperation in health sector as well as the humanitarian role of the Order of Malta in light of global crisis spots of Somalia, Haiti, and Madagacar.
President Michel praised the Order of Malta for the work that it is doing in Seychelles and around the world.
" Seychelles will continue working strongly with the Order in a people-centred development approach in Seychelles as well as the rest of the world," said the President.
The Grand Master conferred the Grand Cross of the Knightly Order, Special Class, pro Merito Melitensi, to President Michel, recognizing the exceptional relations that exist between the Order and the Republic of Seychelles.
Established in 1920, the Knightly Order pro Merito Melitensi is given in recognition of those activities that have conferred honour and prestige on the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It is mainly awarded to non-members of the Order.
Additional information
- The full official name of the Order of Malta is The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and Malta. www.orderofmalta.org
- The Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law, with its own passports, constitution, stamps, and public institution.