Mr Peng Yijun – Chargé d’Affaires of the People’s Republic of China
[Presidents Emeriti],
[Hon. Ministers]
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
52 years since its establishment, the diplomatic relationship between Malta and
China is still going strong. One may ask: what makes this relationship between
our two distant countries so strong, so stable, so constant? This should in no way
be surprising since the relationship between Malta and China has its foundations
in goodwill, friendship, trust and mutual assistance.
Excellency, as you are aware, we have just celebrated 60 years of Independence.
60 years ago, Malta was a fledging Nation, striving to find its niche, trying to build
sound economic footings and create job opportunities for its people, and aiming
to establish bilateral relations with new partner countries. To this affect, Malta
and China have established diplomatic relations in January 1972.
China reciprocated Malta’s recognition by providing assistance and support
through various investment programmes and infrastructure projects at that very
critical time. For this, the Maltese nation is very grateful.
China is one of Malta’s most important trading partners. Our bilateral
relationship is characterized by cooperation in various spheres: in the field of
trade but not only, also in health, education, energy, agriculture and
aquaculture, and last but not least, culture. The fact that since 1972, more than
60 Agreements and Memoranda covering various sectors have been signed
between us, testifies to the vibrant nature of our relationship based on trust and
mutual respect.
Malta is currently serving its second term as a member of the United Nations
Security Council. In the Security Council, Malta’s focus areas are, Children and
Armed Conflict, Climate and Oceans, Women, Peace and Security, and Literacy.
China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. One notes, with
appreciation, that although Malta’s and China’s positions may differ on certain
issues on the UNSC discussion platform, in practice, their strong bilateral
relationship ensures that close cooperation on areas of mutual concern is still
present.
Malta’s contribution on the UNSC is underlined by its constitutional mission to
promote and actively pursue the goal of international peace and hence in all
international fora, Malta stresses that the maintenance of a rule based
international order is a key requirement for international peace and security.
Apart from political peace and stability, Malta additionally is committed to the
promotion and sustainment of an international environment conducive to free,
fair and open commercial relations. Since the EU and China are two of the
world’s largest economies, Malta considers that cordial and frank EU-Chinese
exchanges on trade and commerce are of paramount importance. In this regard
Malta is looking forward to the implementation of the MoU on export of Maltese
Tuna to China to become a reality with the first arrival of Maltese Tuna in the
Chinese market expected in the coming weeks.
I feel I cannot conclude my address without referring to the sterling contribution
of the Malta China friendship society, established in 1973, the Mediterranean
Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Paola, established in 1994,
and the Chinese cultural center which last year celebrated it’s 20th Anniversary.
These are all initiatives which tangibly confirm the strength of the excellent
relationship there is between our two peoples and countries.
My own opinion is that trust and friendship between nations, are solidified
through personal contact at population level. This has taken place and is still
taking place between Malta and China, in the health and medical sector, through
the Mediterranean Research Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine: at the
academic level, since Chinese youths are graduating in Diplomacy from the
Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and also in Maritime studies from
the International Maritime Law Institute, both of them based in Malta. Initiatives
are in place for educational exchanges between Malta and China also in such
fields as Tourism Studies. Nowadays, opportunities also exist for cross
familiarization in both our languages, and in this regard it would be remiss of me
if I do not mention the Confucius Institute at University and the China Corner.
The relation between Malta and China is very particular in its nature: it is
pervaded by a strong spirit of alliance – an alliance that brings to nought the
geographical distance separating our two countries, since it is an alliance based
on deep rooted sentiments of mutual goodwill, trust and friendship.
It is with all this in mind, that I now invite you all to raise your glasses and join
me in a toast, to the health of the Chinese President, his excellency Xi Jinping,
and to the long-lasting friendship between our peoples