OPR- Thursday, 19th May, 2005

Excellency,

A warm welcome

On behalf of the People of Malta I welcome you as the Head of State of a country that, in every meaning of the word, is very close, to us.  Malta’s interaction with and close proximity to Sicily and Italy has always been a constant and important factor for the People of this archipelago ever since the beginning of our history that goes back thousands of years.

Excellency,

Earlier on today, you had the opportunity to observe for yourself the architectural, artistic and cultural influence on our islands emanating from continental Europe and particularly from Italy.  On your way to The Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, you could notice the streets forming a grid that blend into a perfect network and, the imposing chain of fortifications surrounding Valletta, the work of engineer Francesco Laparelli from Cortona.  Today, you could also admire the colourful splendour of the frescos by the Calabrian Knight Mattia Preti that adorn St John’s Co-Cathedral and feel the presence of Caravaggio through the strong psychological contrasts vividly expressed in his paintings.  These are but a few of the treasures that bear witness to our European cultural framework to which Italy has contributed in such a significant way.  We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that we form part of this cultural network that has conceived the humanistic thoughts and ideals of Europe.

We also acknowledge as well the historical roots of secular Europe that have Judeo Christian roots forming the European identity that is fundamentally tolerant and inclusive.  This does not mean that this identity does not need to be continuously protected.  In this context, I would like to make my own Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal against relativism which undermines the foundations of society.  It is precisely our values that are the antidote against this invisible but tangible danger.

Excellency,

Italy is a founder nation of the concept of peace, the European Union, constructed initially on a political vision based on economic exigencies.  A year ago this month Malta became a member of the Union with the aim of making our own contribution towards a shared sovereignty, stability and a real prospect of continued progress.  Ever since the birth of the political vision of great statesmen such as Alcide De Gasperi half a century ago, Europe has made great strides in the right direction.

In fact, only a week ago we celebrated the 60th Anniversary since the end of the Second World War.  Peoples of our generation, Mr President, who lived through the trauma of the war, swore that never again should whole generations fight fratricidal wars.  The European Union, that now more than ever before is breathing through two lungs, the East and the West, is a reality and a guarantee against the danger that similar wars could ever occur again in Europe.

However near to our shores there exist tense situations that, as recent history teaches us could easily end up in tragedy.  For this reason, it is imperative that Europe makes a more authoritative commitment to the international scenario.  Malta has incessantly actively followed the path of dialogue and peace in the Mediterranean.  Malta firmly believes that the European Union should play a more active role in the Mediterranean region in order to eliminate the seeds of incomprehension between different but not contrasting realities.

Amongst other things, there is the need for greater efforts to find solutions to the problem of irregular immigration.  A substantial number of irregular immigrants are reaching the shores of our two countries.  Our efforts should lead to global solutions, solutions that should involve all the member states of the European Union. 

Europe should continue to work hard for an acceptable solution between Israel and the Palestinian People, a solution between two neighbouring countries, a solution that should implement a roadmap of peace and the scope of a number of resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, some of which were adopted more than thirty years ago.

Excellency,

Malta and Italy share special relations on every level.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the assistance that Italy has provided Malta through the five financial protocols.  With this assistance we have been able to modernize a number of sectors which are crucial to our country’s development, amongst which are our infrastructure and our industry, the cultural, the educational, the social sectors and the environment.  We also appreciate the valid contribution provided by the Italian Archeological Mission that has been operating here since 1963 and the Missione Italiana Assistenza Tecnica Militare that has given very useful services since 1980.

Another important link is language; the Italian language is the third most commonly understood and spoken language in Malta.  In this regard, we appreciate the important role of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and the Società Dante Alighieri that for several years have been instrumental in educating thousands of Maltese and Gozitan youths in the Italian language and culture.

Excellency,

From a political point of view, your presence here today, a year after the State Visit of my predecessor, President Guido de Marco to Italy, expresses the highest level of understanding, cooperation and friendship.  This special relationship between Malta and The Republic of Italy is an established reality upon which we shall continue to build our future together.

With these thoughts, I invite you Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, to raise your glass to the health of President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Mrs Ciampi, as a sign of friendship between the Peoples of Malta and Italy.