On October 8, the Minister of Health of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Nísia Veronica Trindade Lima, paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Magistry and was received by the Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis.

During the meeting, various sectors of collaboration in Brazil were discussed, including vocational training, primary education, assistance to the elderly, and health care. The Order of Malta is also active in combating neglected diseases, such as Hansen’s disease, providing early diagnosis and treatment.

The representatives reiterated their mutual commitment to further enhance cooperation in the humanitarian field, including the possibility of joint initiatives in support of third countries, especially in Portuguese-speaking Africa.

In this regard, they agreed to initiate negotiations on a Cooperation Agreement, exchange technical visits, and consider implementing assistance projects in areas of common interest, such as food security, poverty alleviation, health and social welfare, and education.

Minister Trindade Lima recalled the “Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty,” an initiative recently announced by President Lula at the UN, which will be launched at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in a few weeks. The Minister invited the Order of Malta to join the Alliance, given its extensive experience and expertise in this field.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has maintained diplomatic relations with Brazil since 1952. Three associations of the Order are established in Brazil: São Paulo and Southern Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília and Northern Brazil.