Ambassador di Luca Highlights Strong Monaco-Order of Malta Ties at Yacht Club Gala

More than 130 guests participated on Tuesday, June 25, in the National Day of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta at the Yacht Club of Monaco.

Accompanied by Mrs. Emanuela di Luca, the Ambassador welcomed the guests at his first official engagement since taking office on April 11.

After listening to the two National Anthems, Ambassador di Luca spoke to highlight the authenticity of the relations between Monaco and the Order of Malta: “There are facts that testify to the quality of these relations. I think of the support that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has provided to the Order of Malta in Lebanon and Senegal, with nearly 2 million euros in contributions over the past 10 years.”

Ambassador di Luca also recalled the role of the Order of Malta: “Our sovereignty is a guarantee of authority and autonomy, necessary to best fulfill our mission. On the international stage, our role is to be a humanitarian institution that exists and works to give a voice to the poorest and marginalized, without pursuing economic or political interests. Our secular impartiality legitimizes our intentions and, thanks to the trust it inspires, our initiatives are universally esteemed.”

He also anticipated upcoming commitments: “In Bethlehem, amidst the turmoil, the Holy Family Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for the health of mothers – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or Catholic – and their children. We are close to the population of Gaza, where the lack of food and basic necessities is causing an unprecedented crisis. In Lebanon, the local Association cares for thousands of people affected by the ongoing social and economic crisis, thanks to our Embassy’s ‘Make a WISH to the Order of Malta’ project and the support of the Princely Government.”

Finally, recalling the primary mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta, well summarized by the motto “tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum,” Ambassador di Luca announced: “The Order of Malta, and in a small part our Embassy in Monaco, is ready to launch a project to address the tragic humanitarian consequences of the current situation in the Holy Land, especially in favour of children and orphans, as soon as conditions on the ground allow.”

Dazzling Soprano with Pianists

Maurizio Di Maggio, from Radio Montecarlo introduced the Canadian Soprano Claire Coolen, who dazzled the guests with her extraordinary voice, accompanied on the piano “four hands” by pianists Yevgeni Galanov and Slaviana Hunko with a carefully selected repertoire.

To conclude, the cocktail reception was an opportunity to initiate interesting discussions including words of appreciation of the Secretary of State, who greatly appreciated the high quality of the concert, as well as those of the Minister of Foreign Affairs: “such a performance is somewhat like spoiling the guests.”

Distinguished Guests

The close relationship between the Principality of Monaco and the Order of Malta was evident, notably by the quality of the guests present. Among them were the Secretary of State, representing H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Yvette Lambin-Berti; the Government Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, representing the Minister of State, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï; the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, representing the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Guillaume Paris; the National Councilor, representing the President of the National Council, Fabrice Notari; the Chamberlain of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, Vincent Floreani; the Government Counselor and Minister of the Interior, Patrice Cellario; the Government Counselor and Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Christophe Robino; the Director of External Relations and Cooperation, Isabelle Rosabrunetto; the Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, Frédéric Genta; the French Ambassador, H.E. Jean D’Haussonville; the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Giulio Alaimo; the President of the Association of Honorary Consuls, Marc Lecourt, accompanied by numerous Honorary Consuls; and of course the President of the Monegasque Association of the Order of Malta, Jean Kerwat, with some Members of the Association.