OPR- Thursday, 5th October, 2006

Madam President,

Dr McAleese,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My wife and I have great pleasure to wish you a heartfelt welcome to Malta.  The first ever State Visit to Malta by an Irish Head of State testifies to the good relations and the constructive dialogue that is developing between our two countries. 

Ireland and Malta are bound by links of friendship, overriding values and ideals, and by a common concern for the prosperity and security of Europe.  As two European coastal nations, proud of their independence and cultural heritage, Ireland and Malta are playing their part in the effort towards the creation and consolidation of a more peaceful, secure and stable world. 

Excellency,

Relations between Ireland and Malta have the potential to grow stronger and wider in the political, as well as in the economic and cultural fields.  The reciprocal establishment of permanent diplomatic missions, as well as current levels of exchange and collaboration between our countries, are testimony to the ongoing development of relations which both of our countries have been nurturing and promoting.  

Malta became a member of the European Union on Bealtaine, May Day, 2004.  As you know, on that day the Irish Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney delivered a poem at the EU enlargement ceremony.  He spoke thus: “So on a day when newcomers appear, Let it be a homecoming…”.  My country looks at EU membership as a homecoming to a European house in which we belong.  We are glad and proud to be part of the family of nations that has been entrusted with the construction of the next blocks of this house that is the European Union.  What we build today will be the foundations upon which tomorrow’s generation of leaders and people will build.  Let us leave a secure legacy for the future generation. 

Excellency,

Membership of the European Union provided both our countries with new opportunities, as well as with new challenges which required new approaches.  We have both sought and continue to seek, I believe successfully, to make a success of European Union membership for our countries and to contribute towards the construction of a European Union which gives added value to its Member States and its citizens. 

Madam President,

You have been hailed as a builder of bridges and a champion of peace.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my admiration for your dedicated work in fostering community and civic spirit across the length and breadth of Ireland and for the manner in which you have used your Office to foster reconciliation and build a climate where people can cut loose from the wrenching conflicts of the past. 

As neutral countries, Ireland and Malta are uniquely qualified for the crucial and painstaking work of establishing understanding and trust across cultural chasms.  Malta is a country that wholly forms part of Europe and it also lies at the heart of the Mediterranean.  Thus, we also seek to play our part in the building of bridges of mutual respect and care which are so necessary to end the cycle of human misery and keep our world safe.  Malta considers itself, and is perceived to be, a bridge between North and South.  Thus Malta seeks to contribute to the welfare, security and stability of the Mediterranean region and the development of relations with the countries of North Africa. 

Excellency,

Sadly, over the last years, the Mediterranean Sea has been witness to a human tragedy on a large scale as hundreds are losing their lives in an attempted journey to reach European shores.  This phenomenon is putting the capacity of the European Mediterranean States to cope with the seemingly incessant influx of people through a harsh test.  This is a problem faced most acutely by Malta due to the unprecedented influx of irregular immigrants which is placing a disproportionate strain on the limited resources of our island.  Malta is grateful to Ireland for embracing the principle of burden-sharing and accepting to lend a hand to Malta by resettling a number of refugees within its territory.  The problem of irregular immigration is a common European challenge that requires a collective and unitary effort.  However, the European Union cannot solve the problem on its own – it must do so in a holistic and thorough manner by working in collaboration with our neighbouring North African countries and it must also involve the African countries which are the countries of origin of these immigrants. 

As Member States of the United Nations, Ireland and Malta are actively engaged in the organisation’s processes.  Key elements of our foreign policies are the promotion of peace, democracy, human rights and development as the only basis for securing sustainable prosperity.  Malta welcomes and looks forward to current and future opportunities for joint efforts, especially within the United Nations framework. 

Excellency,

Today Ireland is highly successful economically.  Economic achievements have brought your People prosperity and opportunity.  Malta’s accession to the European Union just over two years ago brought about changes in our economy which should lead to a positive economic development. I trust that Ireland and Malta are on the road to developing ever closer relations in the commercial sphere, thus increasing prosperity, creating new jobs and finding new business partners, for the benefit of our Peoples. 

Excellency,

Ireland is known in Malta for its cultural heritage, for its art, literature, music and folklore.  Lovers of literature may lose themselves in the works of the great Irish authors and poets, such as the great works by James Joyce who is quoted as having said that he wanted “to give a picture of Dublin so complete that if the city suddenly disappeared from the earth it could be reconstructed out of my book” and thereby share someone else’s experience and perspective of your land. 

You will discover that Malta is a land characterised by its ancient history and architecture, which has been built over many centuries and where the traces of different peoples, cultures and languages interweave.  For three millennia, from around 5200 B.C., the archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilisation.  The Hypogeum, which you will visit during your stay here with us, is a labyrinth of underground chambers probably used as both a burial site and a temple.  Mdina, which you have visited today, can trace its origins back more than 4,000 years.  Valletta, where we are gathered tonight, is a fortress city built by the Knights of St John and a masterpiece of the baroque.  I trust that your stay in Malta will be a joyous and memorable one. 

Excellency,

I have no doubt that in view of our common values, ideals and vision for the future, Ireland and Malta will maintain their excellent contemporary bilateral relations, as well as further develop and intensify ties in all areas. 

With these thoughts I invite you, distinguished guests, to raise your glass and to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of Her Excellency the President of Ireland and Dr McAleese, to peace and prosperity for the People of Ireland and to continued friendship between the Peoples of Malta and Ireland.