The Sovereign Order of Malta, led by Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, is visiting Lebanon to support its stability and reconstruction efforts. Meetings with President Aoun, Speaker Berri, and Prime Minister Salam focus on collaboration to address ongoing crises. The Order has over 60 ongoing projects in Lebanon and remains committed to humanitarian efforts.
The Sovereign Order of Malta, highly committed to supporting Lebanon, is conducting a three-day official visit led by Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo. The delegation is exploring avenues to assist Lebanon in overcoming its current crises while focusing on the country’s recovery under new leadership. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with Lebanese institutions to ensure stability and progress.
The visit commenced at the presidential palace in Baabda, where Montecupo met with President Joseph Aoun, accompanied by key representatives of the Order. During their discussion, Montecupo conveyed the Grand Master’s congratulations, reaffirmed the Order’s dedication to Lebanon, and highlighted its extensive engagement through 60 ongoing projects encompassing pastoral, educational, and cultural initiatives. He also announced a forthcoming conference on Lebanon scheduled for April 10.
Montecupo underscored the necessity of stability for Lebanon’s economic revival and reiterated the Order’s neutrality in its humanitarian efforts, stating, “We will spare no effort to support the Lebanese people.” President Aoun recognized the challenges but expressed optimism regarding Lebanon’s reconstruction, contingent upon true political commitment and international support.
The delegation continued its engagements by meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, discussing Lebanon’s complex political and economic realities, alongside the Order’s projects. For over 70 years, the Sovereign Order of Malta has prioritized health care, social integration, and agricultural development in Lebanon, highlighting its steadfast support during the reconstruction phase through site visits and project inaugurations.
Meetings with various officials and site visits, including to the St. John the Baptist Center and mobile medical units, reaffirmed the Order’s humanitarian impact. The delegation’s activities also include launching a new humanitarian agricultural project and meeting with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi in Bkerke, underlining the Order’s commitment to collaborative efforts in supporting the Lebanese population effectively.
In summary, the Sovereign Order of Malta’s recent visit to Lebanon reaffirms its strong dedication to the country’s stability and reconstruction efforts. Through high-level meetings and numerous humanitarian projects, the Order emphasizes its long-standing support for Lebanon, reinforcing the necessity of international cooperation and genuine political will. The ongoing partnerships and new initiatives illustrate a commitment to restoring hope and progress for the Lebanese people amidst many challenges.
Original Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com
