Rome, 12 September 2000
Mrs. Mireya Moscoso, President of the Republic of Panama, was received at the Grand Magistry on an Official Visit to the Grand Magistry of the Order in Rome, on 12 September, where she met the Grand Master, Fra' Andrew Bertie.
Also present at the meeting were the Grand Chancellor, Amb. Count Carlo Marullo di Condojanni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, José Miguel Aleman, government authorities and members of the Sovereign Council.

The talks focused on the hospital and welfare work that the Order of Malta has been carrying out for many years in Panama and in the Latin American continent, supported by the excellent diplomatic relations and bonds of friendship uniting the Sovereign Order and the Republic of Panama.

The Grand Master conferred the collar of the Order of Merit on President Moscoso, the Order's highest decoration reserved for Heads of State, and received the collar of the 'Manuel Amador Guerrero' Order.