Diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of Guatemala were officially established in 1959, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership based on mutual respect and humanitarian cooperation.

In 1986, both parties strengthened their ties by signing a Cooperation Agreement, laying the groundwork for collaborative humanitarian projects and medical assistance throughout Guatemala.

Over the years, high-level visits have further solidified this relationship. In November–December 1992, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, visited Guatemala as part of a broader Latin American tour that included Colombia and El Salvador. More recently, in March 2013, the Grand Hospitaller of the Order, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, visited the Republic of Guatemala, reflecting the Order’s continued commitment to the region.

Guatemalan leaders have also visited the Order’s headquarters in Rome. On 12 June 2002, Vice President Juan Francisco Reyes was received by Grand Master Fra’ Andrew Bertie. Later that same year, on 26 November 2002, the President of Guatemala, Alfonso Antonio Portillo Cabrera, was also welcomed by the Grand Master.

On 24 May 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores, held a virtual meeting with Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, then Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, to discuss ongoing and future collaboration.