On 14 March 2022 in Rome, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, for a discussion on bilateral relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Sovereign Order of Malta, cooperation in international organisations, and the humanitarian situation caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Latvian Foreign Minister welcomed the contribution of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the provision of humanitarian, social and medical assistance worldwide. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed thanks to the Sovereign Order of Malta for the resumption of its activities in Latvia. It is of special importance at this point, given the inflow of refugees from Ukraine and the need for providing those who seek refuge in Latvia with immediate assistance and support, the Minister underlined.
Edgars Rinkēvičs pointed out that every type of support for Ukraine must continue. All international legal mechanisms and courts must be used to hold Russia accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity. A strong sanctions policy against Russia and its international isolation must be further pursued and similar measures must also be imposed against Belarus, the Latvian Foreign Minister said.
The Minister informed the Grand Chancellor that Latvia could receive 10,000 people from Ukraine at the present moment. Acting in solidarity was no less important in order to provide support for Ukrainian people who had been forced to flee their country as the result of the armed conflict. For that purpose, a vast support mechanism has been set up with help from the Latvian public authorities, local governments and the civil society sector within a short period of time.
During the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs also praised the good and friendly diplomatic relations between Latvia and the Order of Malta in the course of 25 years. The Minister drew attention to how important the work and assistance of the Sovereign Order of Malta had been to Latvia in the early years after regaining independence, including humanitarian aid to hospitals, old people’s homes and children’s homes. Moreover, the Relief Organization of the Order began its work in Latvia before the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Background information
The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta were established on 15 August 1995. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta was signed on and took effect as of 29 October 2008 setting the framework for the relationship between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the leadership of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law with the authority to establish diplomatic relations and enter into treaties. At present, the Order has diplomatic ties with 110 countries worldwide. The Sovereign Order of Malta is currently providing selfless assistance to crisis-affected regions, and the Order’s volunteers are present in all the major crisis areas.