OPR- Thursday, 24th June 2004

 The President of Malta, H.E. Dr Edward Fenech Adami today met the President of the Italian Republic, H.E Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and the President of the Republic of Algeria, H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

During a very cordial meeting at the Quirinale Palace, President Fenech Adami and President Ciampi discussed matters of common interest between the two countries.

President Fenech Adami referred to the excellent relations between Malta and Italy. Malta is grateful for Italy’s constant support, support that proved crucial in the run-up to Malta’s membership of the European Union. He referred to the current upgrading works on the Malta’s road networks, financed by the latest financial protocol, citing them as another tangible example of Italy’s assistance.

President Ciampi said that the relations between the two countries are etched in history. He congratulated President Fenech Adami for the high turn-out in the European Parliament elections. He said that the turn-out clearly shows that Maltese feel they are European at heart.

The two Presidents then discussed matters of bilateral interest and international affairs particularly the situation in Iraq and the Middle East.

Later on in the day, President Fenech Adami met the President of Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that Malta is now a strong player in the Mediterranean and should use its voice in the interest of the countries of the Mediterranean. President Fenech Adami said that Malta’s membership in the European Union strengthened the Mediterranean dimension of the Union. The two Presidents spoke of the excellent relations between the two countries and discussed ways of how these could be strengthened further. President Fenech Adami and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika also spoke on the developments in Iraq and the Middle East.

During both meetings, H.E. Fenech Adami was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion, the Hon John Dalli.