Three new heads of mission presented their diplomatic credentials to the President of Malta George Vella at Sant’Anton Palace on Thursday 21st October 2021.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova Anatolie Urecheanu was the first to present his letters of credence. Discussions touched upon the Covid-19 pandemic, with President Vella calling for a strong, coordinated multilateral response requiring to work hand in hand with all international partners. Ambassador Urecheanu thanked Malta for the assistance provided to Moldova during the summer of 2020 by supplying protective gear.
Cooperation on the multilateral level also featured in the exchanges, with both President Vella and Ambassador Urecheanu identifying the United Nations as an excellent platform for such collaboration.
Next to present her Letters of Credence was Ambassador of the Slovak Republic Karla Wursterova. President Vella stated that relations between the two countries are excellent and added that there are several opportunities that could yield mutual benefits. Ambassador Wursterova agreed and expressed her intention to consolidate contacts in the fields of commerce, tourism, science, and education.
The issue of migration in the Mediterranean and the situation in Europe’s Southern and Eastern neighbourhoods as well as developments in the Western Balkans were also discussed.
The third to present her Letters of Credence was Ambassador of the Republic of Austria Erika Bernhard. President Vella observed that Malta and Austria enjoy excellent bilateral relations, as reflected by the number of exchanges that took place in recent years, also based on successful Austrian investment ventures in Malta along the years. Ambassador Bernhard explained how she will be focusing on the enhancement of business exchanges, tourism, and cultural cooperation during her term.
Apart from issues of bilateral interest, President Vella and Ambassador Bernhard exchanged views on pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainability, and migration.
During a luncheon with the new heads of mission, President George Vella encouraged them all to explore further the many possibilities that Malta has to offer, and urged them to visit Malta as often as possible.
