H.E. Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria on behalf of the Sovereign Order of Malta and Ms. Josette Abela on behalf of the Lands Authority and this in turn on behalf of the Government of Malta signed the notarial deed extending the emphyteutical concession of the St. John’s Cavalier on May, 10th 2024 at Palazzo Melita, forming part of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade in Valletta.
Emphyteusis is a contract that allows the holder the real right to the enjoyment of a property on condition of proper care, and payment of annual ground rent. The original deed between the Government of the Republic Malta and the Sovereign Order of Malta was entered into in 1967 and expired in 2017.
Saint John’s Cavalier will continue to serve as the Embassy of the Order in Malta, enabling the Order to carry out its mission to provide humanitarian, philanthropic and social support in line with its obsequium pauperum tradition. It will also serve to promote cultural relations with the Republic of Malta, for the benefit of its citizens.
The signing has been overseen by the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Mr. Christopher Cutajar. His declaration can be found here (in Maltese language).
“Today represents a milestone for our Embassy because it took a good seven years to reach this agreement. I wish to thank Minister Ian Borg for his excellent support in this matter. In virtue of the Deed, the Order of Malta also agreed to make St. John’s Cavalier available to the Government of Malta for the holding of artistic and cultural activities, and I hope there will be many in the months to come.” H.E. Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria has commented.
In the picture from left to right: Mr. Clint Borg, Assistant Director European Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade – Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience, Hospitaller of the Maltese Association, Advocate – H.E. Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria – Mr. Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade – Notary Dr. Marija Cachia, Principal Professional Officer, Notary Public at the Lands Authority – Ms. Josette Abela, who signed the Deed on behalf of the Lands Authority.
