Diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Lebanese Republic began in 1953.

The recognition of the Sovereign Order of Malta by Lebanon, on July 12, 1955, at the rank of LEGATION was the culmination of numerous negotiations carried out by the Sovereign Order of Malta and by the accredited Lebanese ambassador to the Holy See, at the time. This recognition goes to H.E. General Ottorino Giannantoni.

The legation is chaired by a “Minister Plenipotentiary” and enjoys all the diplomatic status of an Embassy.
– 1st Minister Plenipotentiary to Lebanon: H.E. General Ottorino Giannantoni
– 2nd Minister Plenipotentiary to Lebanon: H.E. Mr. Umberto Turati
– 3rd and last Minister Plenipotentiary in Lebanon: HSH Prince Edouard de Lobkowicz who became 1st Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Lebanese Republic after the legation was elevated to the rank of Embassy in 1981

During the official visit of the Grand Master to Lebanon, a Cooperation agreement for humanitarian and health issues was signed by the Order Grand Chancellor and the Lebanese minister of Foreign Affairs on October 28th, 2009.

Published in the official bulletin issue nbr.39 of the 25th of August 2011, under nbr.140, the agreement was enforced on the 12th of November 2012.

It was renewed the first time in November 2017, and a second time in 2023.

Based on their common commitment to respect human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, human rights, solidarity and justice, this agreement intends to support, facilitate, diversify, develop and implement health and humanitarian cooperation between the Government of the Lebanese Republic (particularly the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Affairs) and the Sovereign Order of Malta, including all the Lebanese Associations of the Order of Malta registered in Lebanon.

As in all countries where the Sovereign Order of Malta has an accredited representation, the Ambassador and her advisors act mainly in the social and humanitarian fields.

The role of the Embassy in Lebanon is to:

• Introduce the Order of Malta’s humanitarian diplomacy to the relevant authorities.
• Offer support to the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta so that their actions may remain in compliance with the principles and orientations that govern the Order of Malta worldwide.
• Help develop the image and the message of the Order in Lebanon through new and innovative projects and initiatives.
• Ensure the link with the committee called upon to supervise all programs issued from the convention signed by the Order’s and Lebanon’s governing bodies.
• Maintain contacts with political and institutional authorities in Lebanon.