On 11 November 2008 diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas were established through the signing of a Joint Communiqué at the premises of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York.

The agreement was signed by the Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations Robert L. Shafer and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Nations Paulette A. Bethel.

In a joint statement the two Ambassadors declared: “The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, desiring to develop and strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation between themselves, have decided to establish Diplomatic Relations as of the date of Signature of this Joint Communiqué in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 and on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has become the 101st country to establish diplomatic relations with the Order of Malta.
This step marked a further strengthening of the Order’s global diplomatic network, which today includes relations with over 110 sovereign states. The Order of Malta, a sovereign subject of international law, maintains a neutral, impartial, and apolitical status, enabling it to serve as a trusted partner in humanitarian cooperation and diplomatic dialogue.

The diplomatic relations with The Bahamas reflects the Order’s commitment to extending its humanitarian mission to the Caribbean region and fostering new opportunities for international cooperation in areas such as healthcare, disaster relief, and the promotion of peace.