OPR- Thursday, 21st September, 2006

Today we gather to celebrate the forty-second anniversary of Malta’s independence.  The history we celebrate today is a testament to the courage and vision of the People of Malta who were up to the challenge of taking full control and responsibility for their future. 

Nevertheless, the last forty-two years are only a short moment in the life of a nation whose history numbers thousands of years.  Malta, one small and precious country, with a history, culture and identity which are as profound as they are dynamic, has also been described as a fortress.  Her strategic location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, halfway between Gibraltar and Suez and between the south of Europe and Northern Africa, has meant that Malta has lain in routes traversed from the earliest times by a continuous traffic of traders and conquerors.  In a world ruled by power and strength, Malta shifted hands from one foreign ruler to another, until a new world order finally set in and Malta could realistically dream of being a sovereign and independent country.  The Maltese stood up, and foreign rule stood down. 

I, who – like many of my generation – experienced the days of nineteen sixty four, as well as the difficult and trying early years thereafter, cannot cease admiring the accomplishments we have achieved since then in the areas of society, culture, economics, foreign relations, education, science, law and all areas of our lives.

Malta has established herself as an independent, sovereign nation on the international and European scenes through the hard work and commitment of its leaders and of the People who supported these leaders in good and in hard times.  Just over two years ago Malta became a member of the European Union.  This milestone in the history of our island has been a crowning of the long way our fortress island has come since the early days of its seizing control of the reigns of its future.

Today we also recognize that we didn’t do it all alone – there have also been friends of our country who have contributed to its well-being by striving to promote its interests.  Today we honour four such persons who have distinguished themselves by their service in the promotion and fostering of international relations.  They have done so in various manners, among which by assisting in the conclusion of agreements between Malta and the country under their jurisdiction, by promoting and developing commercial and business links and relationships between Malta and the territory under their jurisdiction, and between Maltese and other businessmen operating in such territories and by lending their assistance and support to Maltese persons in distress when present in their territories.  They have thereby justly earned the respect and gratitude of the People of the Maltese Islands. 

It is a great honour to be the President of Malta, and it’s my honour to be here to extend to you all today my greetings and best wishes for your happiness and prosperity.