OPR- Tuesday, 18th January, 2005

Your Excellency and Mme Klausova,

Mr Prime Minister,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with great pleasure that I accepted your kind invitation to visit your beautiful country.  I recall the State Visit by President Havel and Mrs Havlova to Malta in April 2002, when both our countries were still at the gates of the European Union.  Today, we are proud to be members of this European family.

Excellency,

Malta and the Czech Republic although distant from each other do share similarities.  Both our countries are strategically located; your country at the heart of Europe and my country in the centre of the Mediterranean.  The central position of our countries is an important factor in fostering understanding and dialogue.

Your country has never surrendered in fulfilling its dream to become a sovereign independent state and indeed this month is the 12^th year since the ‘Velvet Divorce’ and the formation of the Czech Republic.  Moreover just a few months ago your country celebrated the 15^th anniversary of the peaceful ‘Velvet Revolution’ that led to the end of an era in 1989.  The end result:  the will of the Czech People triumphed and led to the principles of democracy, free market economy and rekindled values which the European Union stands for.

Excellency,

The year that has just ended has been a year full of significant importance for my country.  It has seen the culmination of years of hard work, as my country together with the Czech Republic became part of the European Union.  I am pleased that we have managed to make this historic step together.

Although there might be differences in opinions in our countries regarding the benefits of membership in the European Union, one needs to constantly bear in mind that the European Union is what we make of it.  We, citizens of the European Union, have to work together to build on the foundations that our predecessors have laid.  The future of our maison commune depends on us.  For the European Union finds its legitimacy in the sovereign will of the Peoples, in their willingness to work together, while exchanging views and opinions.

This is the dawn of a new era of co-operation.  Half a century after its creation, I am convinced that the architects of the European Union, like Monnet, Schuman, Spaak and Adenauer would be proud of the enlarged Europe.  We have managed to change an ideologically divided continent into an ever-closer community sharing common values and aspirations.

Excellency,

Being part of the European Union will not make Malta forget its Mediterranean identity.  Our geo-strategic position and our long historical links with our North African neighbours make us more sensitive and understanding of the problems in the region.  Malta as part of the European Union is now placed in a better position to promote dialogue and understanding of the region.  The evolution of the Euro-Mediterranean Process was not as rapid as we hoped.  The objective of creating a peaceful and prosperous Euro­Mediterranean Free Trade area is more pertinent than ever.  The 10^th Anniversary of the Barcelona Process, should give us an excellent opportunity to re-define the objectives and re-launch the process.  Socio-economic development is the key to security and stability within the Euro-Mediterranean region.

A few days ago we witnessed a new democratically elected Palestinian leader - a new hope to a peaceful Middle East solution.  Malta supports all efforts that can lead to a just solution of conflicts.  The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas faces a tough challenge ahead of him, trying to bring to an end the violence and to restart the dialogue.  It is essential that both Israel and Palestine make all the necessary efforts to return to the Peace Process as outlined in the Roadmap which would ultimately lead to the establishment of a Palestinian State co-existing peacefully with the State of Israel.

In this era of globalisation, multi-lateralism is becoming more and more important.  The role of the United Nations and the adherence by states to its Charter are of utmost importance in co-ordinating the efforts of States in trying to find joint solutions to the problems that the international community is facing today such as poverty, global warming and terrorism.

Excellency,

Your country has become a favourite destination among the Maltese and it is not surprising that this is so. Your country impresses by the beauty of your historic capital Prague, especially its unique blend of architectural styles representing different periods in Czech history.  Prague has indeed acquired unrivalled richness of architectural treasures which have even earned their merited place in UNESCO's cultural list.

Works of literature by famous Czech authors like Franz Kafka and Jaroslav Hasek provide examples of a rich Czech literary tradition. Music by well known Czech artists like Antonin Dvorák, Bedrich Smetana and Leos Janácek has fascinated and influenced Peoples all around the World.  Tourism, literature and music are international languages we best communicate with.

An increasing number of Czechs are visiting my country.  Tourism breeds friendship, understanding and an opportunity for an increase in investment in major spheres. No wonder that a Maltese-owned international company now owns and runs two large hotels in Prague and also owns seven hotels in other areas in the Czech Republic.  Maltese investment in the Czech Republic has been a good investment for both parties.  I believe that further Maltese and Czech investment in both countries will be of mutual benefit.

Excellency,

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations our countries have enjoyed friendly relations.  Now that both our countries are members in the European Union our relations will enter a deeper dimension.  I look forward to working with you during the coming years to enhance this cooperation and to help build stronger ties between our Peoples. 

I thank your Excellency for your invitation to come to your country on a State Visit and for the warm welcome that you have shown us.

With these thoughts in mind, I invite you, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, to raise your glass and to toast to the health of President Vaclav Klaus and Madame Klausova and to the friendship between the Governments and People of Malta and the Czech Republic.