It gives me great pleasure to be here with you today celebrating The Queen’s Official Birthday.

The United Kingdom and Malta go back many years. For nearly two centuries, we shared much of the same history, much of the same pain and much of the same glory. Suffice it to say that Malta’s five national holidays are linked to what we now refer to as the British period of Maltese history.

And it is more than fitting, on this auspicious occasion, to talk of history.  This is a historic year for Malta as it is for the rest of Europe.  As of 1 May this year, Malta is a member of the European Union. Today we sit together with the other countries of Europe as partners working to promote our common values and ideals, striving to ensure a thriving and sustainable economy that is capable of meeting the challenges of the global village. Together we shall be working towards attaining that elusive peace and towards fostering stability within Europe and beyond. 

This enlargement process was, by no means, an easy task for Europe.  Just as it was not an easy task for Malta.  But, and if you allow me to borrow a line from the Beatles, we managed to do it, thanks to “a little help from our friends”.  The United Kingdom is surely a friend, a friend that proved its worth in times of need during the European membership negotiations, which incidentally started under the UK presidency in 1998.  I am sure that just as the negotiations phase served to strengthen our bilateral relations so will membership provide us with many opportunities to deepen and widen our friendly ties.

If this year will be remembered as the year of membership, next year will surely be remembered in Malta for the State Visit of Her Majesty The Queen.  My wife and I are looking forward to hosting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.  I can personally attest to Her Majesty’s fond memories of

Malta.  I am sure that this visit will produce many more memories for all of us to treasure just as I am convinced that it will continue to strengthen the bonds between our two countries.

Next year Malta will also be hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.  I had the pleasure of attending seven CHOGM meetings, as they are often referred to.  Yet I continue to be struck by the unique nature of this association.  It revolves around commonality even if it embraces nations that are so diverse.  Your Excellency, I am sure that as we enter into the thick of things, we will be taking you up on your offer and seeking to tap more and more of your country’s experience and also that of Australia.  This event should prove to be an ideal showcase of what Malta is capable of offering in terms of hospitality.

Without detracting anything from the excellent government-to-government relations between our two countries, I believe that the real affinity between the United Kingdom and Malta is best viewed through the personal relationships of our peoples.  I have in mind here the consistent flow of tourists between Malta and the British Isles.  I am thinking of the Maltese community in England and the British community in Malta. I am referring to the entrepreneurs from our respective countries who have established strong business and personal links. The programmes you referred to will help strengthen these bonds and I look forward to seeing such initiatives grow.

High Commissioner and Mrs Fean,

Our times have presented our countries with opportunities to work closer together.  I am sure that in the years ahead we shall be taking full advantage of these opportunities.

With these thoughts in mind, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman, may I ask you to join me in raising your glasses to toast Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the United Kingdom.