Diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta  and Montenegro since independence

Since Montenegro’s independence in 2006, the country has actively expanded its diplomatic network, including establishing relations with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The Order, renowned for its humanitarian and diplomatic activities, recognized Montenegro shortly after its independence, in 2006, reflecting the mutual interest in fostering cooperation, particularly in charitable, medical, and social initiatives. This made Montenegro one of over 114 states maintaining diplomatic relations with the Order.

Montenegro emerged as an independent country in 2006, following a referendum that marked the end of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a state that had been formed just three years earlier from the remnants of the former Yugoslavia.

Diplomatic Relations

Montenegro accredited its first ambassador to Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 2010, with Danilo Mrvaljević, then serving as Montenegro’s Ambassador to Italy, receiving dual accreditation to the Order. Since then, subsequent Montenegrin ambassadors to Italy have typically held concurrent accreditation to Order of Malta, following the common diplomatic practice due to the Order’s headquarters in Rome.

One of the early milestones in the relationship came in February 2009 when the Order of Malta and Montenegro signed a Postal Agreement. This agreement, signed at the Magistral Palace in Rome, allowed for the establishment of a regular postal service between Montenegro and the seats where the Order exercises its sovereign prerogatives. The agreement was signed by Jean-Pierre Mazery, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, and Gian Luca Chiavari, the Receiver of the Common Treasure, alongside Andrja Lompar, the Montenegrin Minister of Transport and Communications. This made Montenegro the 54th country with which the Order of Malta had signed an agreement regarding postal services.

Diplomatic visits between officials from both sides have played a significant role in deepening their relationship.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta Ambassadors to Montenegro

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has appointed the following ambassadors to Montenegro since diplomatic relations were established:

• Enrico Tuccillo (2007–2018) – The first Order of Malta ambassador to Montenegro, serving for over a decade and laying the foundation for bilateral cooperation.
• Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana (2019) – Briefly served as ambassador, continuing the Order’s diplomatic engagement.
• Karl Maximilian Khevenhüller-Metsch (2020–2023)
• Narciso Salvo di Pietraganzili (2024–present) – The current  Order of Malta Ambassador to Montenegro, is strengthening the Order’s presence in the country with renewed active engagement in health activities, partnerships with UN agencies and commitment to diplomatic and charitable initiatives.

Key Diplomatic Engagements and High-Level Visits

• In January 2006, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, received both Prince Nikola II of Montenegro, Head of the House of Petrović-Njegoš, and Filip Vujanović, the President of Montenegro. This marked the beginning of high-level diplomatic exchanges. Later in 2007, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Milan Roćen, paid an official visit to the Grand Master.
• In 2012, the Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor, Jean-Pierre Mazery, visited Montenegro, meeting with senior officials to discuss humanitarian cooperation.

• In 2018, Montenegro’s then-Foreign Minister Srđan Darmanović met with the Order of Malta’s representatives to reinforce bilateral ties, particularly in healthcare and disaster relief.

• In April 2018, the Order of Malta received Aleksandar Bogdanović, the Montenegrin Minister of Culture, in the Magistral Palace. The meeting focused on the preservation of the icon of Our Lady of Philermos, which the Order has revered since its arrival on the island of Rhodes in 1310.
• In 2018, there was a series of visits that further solidified the partnership. On October 8, the President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović visited the Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra’ Giacomo dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto. The discussions revolved around the situation in the Balkans, Montenegro’s recent accession to NATO, and its aspirations for European Union integration. That same year, the Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor, Albrecht Boeselager, met with the Montenegrin Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanović to discuss pressing international issues, including the migration crisis and the integration of refugees.
• In March 2019, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Ivan Brajović, was received by the Grand Chancellor, Albrecht Boeslager, in the Magistral Palace. During the talks various foreign policy issues were discussed and a special focus was dedicated to the protection, restoration and promotion of the icon of Our Lady Philermosa, hosted in Cettinje.

• In 2021, Order of Malta’s Grand Hospitaller, Dominique de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel, visited Montenegro to assess potential collaboration in medical aid, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In 2024 the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović officially invited the Gran Master of the Order Fra John Dunlap to visit Montenegro and the invitation has been warmly accepted

Humanitarian and Charitable Cooperation

Beyond formal diplomacy, the Order of Malta has engaged in humanitarian projects in Montenegro, particularly in partnership with local Catholic charities. The Order has supported:

• Medical assistance programs, including donations to hospitals and clinics.
• Social aid for refugees and displaced persons, especially during the Balkan migrant route crisis.
• Collaboration with Caritas Montenegro on poverty relief initiatives.

 Current Diplomatic Representation

As of 2024, Milica Petrović serves as Charge d’Affaires a.i. to the Order of Malta and the Holy See. The Order is represented in Montenegro by Ambassador Narciso Salvo di Pietraganzili, ensuring continued diplomatic and humanitarian collaboration.

Conclusion

Since Montenegro’s independence, relations with the Order of Malta have been characterized by steady diplomatic engagement and humanitarian collaboration. The appointment of successive ambassadors and high-level visits underscores the importance both sides place on this relationship. The Order of Malta’s role as a global humanitarian actor aligns with Montenegro’s interests in social welfare and international cooperation, ensuring a sustained and meaningful partnership.

The relationship between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Montenegro has grown through these diplomatic exchanges, with a shared focus on cultural preservation, international cooperation, and support for Montenegro’s integration into European and global institutions. These exchanges have helped build a robust diplomatic relationship that continues to thrive in both cultural and political spheres.