Latvia’s new ambassador to the Sovereign Order of Malta will be Alberts Sarkanis, the president’s press office has announced. President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga presented Sarkanis with his letter of accreditation on April 5.

Not to be confused with the government of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, the order is, according to its Web site, “a sovereign subject of international law, with its own constitution, passports, stamps, and public institutions.” It is a lay religious order that traces its history back to the 11th century and today has about 11,000 members.

Its work includes helping the poor and the sick.

Sarkanis also is ambassador to Vatican City. He previously was Latvia’s ambassador to Finland and Lithuania.