Diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Arab Republic of Egypt were formally established in 1980, laying the foundation for a cooperation that has progressively expanded from institutional dialogue to wide-ranging humanitarian collaboration. Over the decades, the bilateral relationship has been characterized by regular diplomatic contacts, agreements aimed at strengthening health and social assistance programmes, and shared engagement in regional dialogue initiatives.

An important milestone in bilateral cooperation was the humanitarian and sanitary collaboration agreement signed in Cairo on 30 January 2007 between the Governorate of Qalyubiya, and the Italian Association of the Order of Malta. The agreement focused particularly on cooperation at the Leprosy Home of Abu Zaabal and was renewed in May 2018, reflecting the continued commitment of both parties to joint humanitarian efforts.

Diplomatic dialogue has also been reinforced in recent years through broader regional engagement. On 11 September 2025, representatives of the Order of Malta met the Ambassadors in Rome of the member states of the Arab League to discuss strengthening cooperation and addressing urgent humanitarian challenges affecting the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa.

Later that same year, on 1 November 2025, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, visited Egypt and attended the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During the visit, the Grand Master met the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayeb, emphasizing the importance of interreligious dialogue, prayer and cooperation in promoting peace and defending human dignity.

Bilateral collaboration was further discussed during meetings between the Order’s Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, where both sides expressed their intention to strengthen the Order’s activities in the country.

Alongside diplomatic engagement, the Order of Malta has developed an extensive network of humanitarian initiatives in Egypt, particularly in the health, education and social assistance sectors. The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta supports two centres for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes: the Blessed Gerard dispensary in Nazlet Ghattas (Minya), inaugurated in 2016, and the Blessed Gerard clinic in Shoubra (Cairo), inaugurated in 2017, which together provide roughly 500 medical visits each year. Until December 2019, the Order also played a major role in improving the health and living conditions of long-term patients at the 500-bed Abu Zaabal Leprosarium, working in collaboration with the Elisabetine Sisters from Italy and the hospital’s management.

In recent years, the Order has increasingly focused on programmes assisting vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and disadvantaged communities. Since 2022, it has supported a school for refugees in Zamalek attended by around 250 children. In January 2023, the Embassy signed a memorandum of understanding with the EMC – Elite Medical Center, an international healthcare consultancy company, to provide free medical examinations for Eritrean refugees; approximately 300 patients have benefited from the initiative so far. Since November 2023, the Order has also supported the “Aman” (“security” in Arabic) clean-water project in collaboration with a local partner, assisting around 50 families in Sohag (Upper Egypt) through access to clean water, waste collection services, electricity provision, sanitation improvements and the paving of local streets.