On behalf of H.M.E.H. the Prince and Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria has presented the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Hon. Ian Borg with the Grand Cross Pro Merito Melitensi.
The ceremony has taken place inside our Embassy in Valletta on the 5th October 2024 where the decoration was blessed by the Very Rev. Monsignor Brendan Gatt, Magistral Chaplain of the Maltese Association of the Order.
In presenting the decoration Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria remarked to the guests present that he was honoured to bestow the Grand Cross on such a distinguished member of the Maltese Government who has always shown great consideration for the Order and assisted its mission, both locally and on a global scale, and who works tirelessly on an international level in these troubled times of conflict. “I am immensely pleased to have excellent relations not only on a diplomatic level but also on a personal one of friendship with this worthy gentleman who I am convinced will rise from strength to strength in his political career” continued the Ambassador.
On his part, Hon. Ian Borg thanked the Ambassador and said that it was a great honour for him to receive this decoration conferred by H.M.E.H. the Grand Master and looked forward to developing still further the collaboration between the Republic of Malta and the Sovereign Order towards which he holds tremendous respect.
This ceremony was followed by a dinner at the residence of the Ambassador. Also present at the event were the Chiefs of Mission of Palestine, Italy, Egypt and Spain to the Republic of Malta together with the President of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order.
Photo Credit: Raymond Attard.
