Relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Dominican Republic have developed over several decades, reflecting a sustained commitment to cooperation, dialogue, and humanitarian engagement.

Official relations date back to 1957, when formal ties were established, laying the foundation for a long-standing institutional relationship. In 1974, full diplomatic relations were established with the appointment of the first Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, H.E. Francesco Rainieri.

In 1994, the Association of the Order of Malta in the Dominican Republic was established, providing a stable structure for the Order’s presence and activities in the country. This was followed, in 1998, by the signing of a Postal Agreement, which facilitated administrative cooperation between the two entities.

The relationship has also been strengthened through high-level visits. In 1995, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, visited the Dominican Republic, highlighting the importance of the country within the Order’s international relations. In July 2000, former Dominican President Hipólito Mejía was received at the Magistral Palace in Rome by the same Grand Master, further reinforcing diplomatic ties.

On 25 May 2010, President Leonel Antonio Fernández Reyna visited the Sovereign Order of Malta and met with Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing. The meeting, also attended by Grand Chancellor Jean-Pierre Mazery and Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Boeselager, focused on key issues such as the post-earthquake situation in Haiti and the need to strengthen cooperation in the health sector. It also led to a shared commitment to formalize humanitarian collaboration and to coordinate efforts in addressing fraudulent organizations falsely claiming association with the Order.

This commitment materialized with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement on 12 April 2011, establishing a framework for joint initiatives, particularly in the humanitarian and medical fields.

Humanitarian Activities
Humanitarian cooperation represents one of the principal pillars of the relationship between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Dominican Republic.

The Order operates two health centres in the country, where medications—supplied with the support of organizations such as Food for the Poor and Americares—are distributed to vulnerable populations. These facilities serve as a consistent source of assistance for communities with limited access to healthcare.

In parallel, medical missions conducted by teams of doctors from the Cuban Association of the Order have contributed both to direct patient care and to professional training, combining clinical interventions with knowledge transfer to local personnel.

Overall, the Sovereign Order of Malta continues to prioritize health and humanitarian assistance in the Dominican Republic, with the aim of expanding its social projects and strengthening its impact through partnerships with local authorities, the national association, and international funding mechanisms.