OPR- Thursday, 17th February, 2005

‘Finally, both Malta and Cyprus are now in ‘harbour’, the ‘European Harbour’ as members of the European Union’. This was stated by the President of Malta when addressing the Press following official talks at The Palace, with the President of Cyprus, H.E. Tassos Papadopoulus, who is on a three-day State Visit to Malta.

During the meeting both Presidents discussed matters of common interest and current issues affecting the two Mediterranean islands.

President Fenech Adami made reference to the recent past when both countries were still British colonies and subsequently gained their independence in the early sixties. The President of Malta said that the following years were years of consolidation, which eventually lead both countries to apply and become full members of the European Union.

Both Presidents discussed current issues affecting our two countries and how best we can profit by our membership in the European Union. President Fenech Adami added that they also referred to the Cyprus issue and augured that as soon as possible the partition of Cyprus will come to an end.

President Fenech Adami and President Papadopoulou addressing the Press

On his part the President of Cyprus expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome given to him and his delegation and thanked President Fenech Adami for the support that Malta has always given to his country.

This evening the President of Malta and Mrs. Fenech Adami will be hosting a State Concert followed by a State Dinner in honour of The President of Cyprus and Mrs. Papadopoulou at The Palace, Valletta.