His Excellency Matt Skelly, High Commissioner of Australia
[Prime Minister]
[Speaker of the House of Representatives,]
[Hon. Ministers and Members of Parliament,]
[Leader of the Opposition,]
[Presidents Emeriti,]
[Prime Ministers Emeriti,]
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Today, we gather to commemorate the sixtieth (60) anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and Australia, a relationship officially initiated on the 21st September 1964. The very day Malta acquired independence.
As we reflect on this important milestone, we refer with appreciation to the respect and friendship that have been the basis of our enduring relationship.
Despite the geographical distance between our two nations, Malta and Australia have cultivated ways to develop warm political relations, inherently converged through our shared values of democracy, rule of law and democracy.
The foundation of the Maltese-Australian diplomatic relationship is steeped in events that pre-date the formal establishment of diplomatic relations, ones which are grounded in people-to-people relations.
This amicable bond extends back to the early nineteenth century, precisely when the first Maltese free settler, a merchant, Antonio Azzopardi, emigrated to the State of Victoria on board the Mary Hay in 1839.
Azzopardi’s insightful story symbolises the resilience and determination of Maltese emigrants who sought opportunities in a distant land, far away from their families and loved ones.
Mass emigration from Malta took a significant step forward in the 20th century, booming in the post-Second World War period, when more than 10,000 Maltese arrived in Australia to begin a new life there between, 1954 and 1955. Their resilient characteristic, sharpened by the hardships of the war, helped pave the way for their integration into Australian society.
Despite the stark geographic distance between the two countries, the Maltese quickly found a sense of belonging in their new home. Resilience together with adaptability, a strong resolve to integrate into a new environment helped by the warm embrace of Australian society, enabled them to thrive in this new land.
Today, well over 200,000 individuals claim Maltese heritage in Australia.
Although the Maltese integrated smoothly into Australian life, their core traditions remained strong. The Maltese language continues to be spoken, and the long-standing tradition of the Maltese festa, Good Friday processions and other cultural activities such as the Għana, are still celebrated in Australia as part of their culture by our Maltese siblings abroad.
Maltese Australian Associations, Councils, and Social Centres have played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the Maltese and Australian communities.
These organisations, in collaboration with the Council of Maltese Living Abroad, are actively nurturing an environment that promotes the diffusion of these Maltese traditions. This effort is particularly focused on engaging the younger generation, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Our relationship has not only flourished politically but it has also strengthened trade relations between our two nations. The strong political ties between our two nations have resulted in a healthy trade relationship, with Australia standing out as one of the few nations with which Malta enjoys a positive trade balance.
Our membership in international multilateral fora such as the Commonwealth, the United Nations, and the International Maritime Organisation serve as platforms for dialogue to tackle regional and global challenges, including issues of mutual concern. Furthermore, the recent EU-Australia Partnership Framework marks a new chapter in the expansion of our relations at a European level.
In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to the High Commissioner and his dedicated staff for their efforts in strengthening the ties between our nations.
Thank you.