On 21 March, on the occasion of the initiatives for the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a meeting between Ambassador Stefano Palumbo and the Mayor Ermal Dredha took place in the Municipality of Vlore.

During this first official visit to the first citizen of Vlora, Ambassador Palumbo presented the humanitarian activities that the Order of Malta has been carrying out for thirty years in the north of the country, hoping that they could soon be exported to the south, with the cooperation and support of the local institutions. Mayor Dredha’s response was one of great enthusiasm and total willingness to cooperate in order to finalise a first Maltese reality in southern Albania .

This first courtesy visit was desired and facilitated by the Consul General of Italy in Valona, Mrs. Iva Palmieri, accompanied by the Vice Consul, Mr. Antonio Rapisardi, confirming the excellent diplomatic relations between the Order and Italy, always aimed at cooperation in the spirit and charisma of the Order of Malta.