Germany became the 107th State to establish diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta on 13 October 2017. This milestone marked the formalization of a longstanding partnership that had already existed since 1953. On 17 November 2017, during an official visit by Sigmar Gabriel, former German Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the Sovereign Order of Malta’s seat in Rome, the establishment of these diplomatic ties was formally announced. Gabriel was received by the former Grand Chancellor Albrecht Boeselager at the Magistral Villa, where he was also awarded the Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi in recognition of his contributions.

The first official State Visit of a Grand Master to the Federal Republic of Germany occurred on 14 October 2019, when Grand Master Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto traveled to Germany. On 17 October, he met with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and later visited the Bundestag to meet Wolfgang Schäuble, its President. This visit highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between Germany and the Order of Malta.

In October 2021, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was received at the Magistral Villa in Rome. Accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, the President was received with military honours by the Lieutenant of the Grand Master Fra’ Marco Luzzago.

The excellent relations between Germany and the Order of Malta trace back to their shared commitment to humanitarian service. After World War II, the Order’s volunteers played a vital role in alleviating the suffering of the German people. The Order remains a cornerstone of German civil society, especially through the Malteser Hilfsdienst, its relief corps founded in 1953, which provides emergency response, medical aid, and social services across the country.

High-level meetings and collaborations have further strengthened these bonds.

The Order of Malta and Germany continue to collaborate closely on humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives, ensuring their shared values of solidarity and service remain a priority.