On 10 October 2025, the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Albania took part in the ceremony marking the 30th Anniversary of the Albanian Organization of the Order of Malta, held at the organization’s headquarters in Shkodër.

The event gathered staff of Malteser Albania, representatives of the Order, and international guests from Great Britain, Romania, Poland, and Germany. The Embassy was represented by H.E. Ambassador Stefano Palumbo, accompanied by Counsellor Stiven Shala and First Secretary Mark Gjeka.

After the words of welcome, Ambassador Palumbo delivered an address conveying the greetings of the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Hospitaller, underlining the long-standing commitment of the Order to Albania.

The ceremony also featured interventions by the President of the Albanian Organization of the Order of Malta Father Stefan Schwarz and the Vice President Mr. Matthias Heiden, founders of Malteser Albania, who reflected on three decades of service to those in need. On this occasion, Father Gazmend Tinaj, OFM, was introduced as the new President of the Albanian Organization of the Order of Malta.

Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Constantin von Brandenstein-Zeppelin, Honorary President of Malteser Germany and Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of Malteser Hilfsdienst, whose presence added particular significance to the celebration.

During the event, a ceremony of decorations was held to honour those who have contributed to the mission of the Order in Albania over the years. Decorations were conferred upon Ambassador Palumbo, Father Stefan Schwarz, Father Gazmend Tinaj, former volunteers, current staff members, and several international guests from Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. The distinctions included the Medal of Mother Theresa, the Medal of the Albanian Martyrs, and a special 30th Anniversary Medal created for the occasion.

The ceremony concluded with moments of fellowship and gratitude, reaffirming the shared values of charity, service, and solidarity that have guided the Order’s presence in Albania for the past three decades.