PODGORICA, Montenegro – March 18, 2026 – His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, paid an official visit to Montenegro on March 17, 2026, at the invitation of His Excellency Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro. This first official visit of a Grand Master since the restoration of Montenegro’s independence marks a milestone in bilateral relations, underscoring the deep friendship and shared humanitarian values between the two sides.
President Milatović welcomed the Grand Master and the accompanying delegation of the Order’s Grand Magistry. During their meeting, the President particularly highlighted the importance of the resident Embassy of the Order of Malta in Podgorica, which reopened in 2025, and praised its renewed active engagement in fostering bilateral cooperation.
The Order of Malta Embassy to Montenegro played a key role in organizing this historic visit, coordinating and strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two countries over the past year. H.E. Ambassador Narciso Salvo di Pietraganzili led the Embassy’s efforts, supported by Mr. Giuseppe Santoni – Counsellor, Mr. Valerio Carafa – First Secretary, and Mrs. Jovana Đukanović – Communications and Media Officer.
During the bilateral talks, President Milatović and the Grand Master Fra’ Dunlap focused on strengthening ties and advancing joint initiatives in healthcare and humanitarian action. A key outcome saw H.E. Mr. Vojislav Šimun, Minister of Health of Montenegro, and Dr. Josef Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Order of Malta, signing a Protocol Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the Sovereign Order of Malta in the presence of both leaders. The agreement establishes a legal framework to enhance collaboration, particularly in the health and humanitarian sectors. A special focus of the discussions with H.E. Amb. Narciso Salvo di Pietraganzili, was pediatric healthcare, and the project initiated by the Embassy of Order of Malta to provide the Institute for Children’s Diseases with an advanced neonatal-specific hemodialysis device, and training programs for Montenegrin medical doctors, in cooperation between the Institute for Children’s Diseases of the Clinical Center of Montenegro and the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital.
The historic nature of the visit also included a joint visit to Cetinje Monastery and the National Museum of Montenegro, where the Grand Master and the President watched the Icon of Our Lady of Philermos – a revered Christian icon with deep historical ties to the Order of Malta.
High-Level Meetings and Media Engagement
On Tuesday afternoon, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Nikola Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, to discuss practical steps for deepening bilateral cooperation. The Grand Chancellor also gave an interview to TV E, which aired on March 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM on the program “24 Hours,” highlighting the mission and activities of the Order.
In parallel, Minister Šimun and Grand Hospitaller Blotz visited the Clinical Center of Montenegro, where they toured the facility and discussed development plans to further improve healthcare services. “This agreement is not only a formal framework for cooperation, but also a strong incentive for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and good practices,” Minister Šimun stated. Grand Hospitaller Blotz added, “The essence is to help the sick. We are with you, ready to provide help and support, not only in Montenegro but also beyond.
Widespread positive media coverage welcomed the visit, with reporting emphasizing its diplomatic significance and concrete outcomes in humanitarian cooperation, such as the signing of the cooperation agreement and the strengthened focus on pediatric healthcare.
