We meet here today to celebrate Australia Day and to reaffirm the enduring friendship between our two nations.
At the outset, we remember the victims of the horrific terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. On behalf of the people of Malta, I again extend the nation’s deepest sympathy to the Australian people, to the families, and all affected communities.
Ladies and gentlemen
The affinity that exists between Malta and Australia is much stronger than geography would lead us to believe.
In the years following World War II, Australia extended a generous hand to the people of Malta, providing many with a second home at a time when prospects on our islands were extremely limited.
Today, Australia is home to the largest Maltese diaspora in the world. Around 35,000 people in Australia were born in Malta, whereas about 230,000 Australians declare Maltese ancestry.
Maltese-Australians are well represented on the Council for Maltese Living Abroad, a statutory advisory body that serves as the Maltese Government’s primary institutional link with our diaspora worldwide. Five members hail from Australia, representing one‑fifth of the Council’s membership – thereby reflecting the central role that the Maltese-Australian community plays within our global diaspora.
These figures clearly illustrate the enduring bond that exists between our countries, a relationship built and sustained on the principles of mutual respect and shared values. I have no doubt that both sides will maintain their resolve to continue nurturing this profound relationship in the years to come.
Malta and Australia established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1964, when we attained our Independence. Over the years, bilateral relations have flourished, with over 20 agreements signed in various areas, including migration, social security, reciprocal healthcare, double taxation, air services, and working holiday visas.
The volume of bilateral trade in goods and services has registered steady growth in recent years. The businesses of Maltese-Australian entrepreneurs are thriving across Australia, and they cover diverse sectors, from professional services, construction and real estate development to technology and manufacturing.
Australian investment in Malta is significant, particularly in the health sector and in the field of maritime infrastructure. There are other areas that offer opportunities for increased growth, such as IT, financial services, medtech, research and innovation, tourism, hospitality, education, and film production, and we remain keen to explore new avenues of cooperation.
The EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, once fully in force, has the potential to create further opportunities for trade, investment and market access between the two sides. Malta is also supportive of ongoing discussions on Australia becoming an Associate Member of Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. We are firm in our belief that Australia’s association will serve to strengthen the existing collaboration in this important field.
To this end, a modernised framework for improved air and maritime connectivity would be highly beneficial to open and facilitate new trade and tourism possibilities.
History has also played a significant role in bringing us closer to each other. To this day, every year on 25 April, Malta joins in commemorating ANZAC Day, honouring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. Malta remains proud of its role in the medical treatment and care of thousands of Australian and New Zealand casualties evacuated to Malta during the Gallipoli and Salonika campaigns.
The common values and principles that unite Malta and Australia are also manifested in international forums. We are both members of the Commonwealth, actively promoting its objectives.
At the UN, we both remain dedicated advocates of international law, including international humanitarian law, and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
In a global context where the multilateral system is being continuously questioned and put under excessive strain, countries like Malta and Australia have the responsibility to defend and safeguard these ideals. Dialogue among nations remains paramount if we are to address the various conflicts around the globe.
Beyond conflicts and geopolitical tensions, global challenges like climate change, human rights violations, irregular migration, socio-economic inequalities, and transnational crime, also demand urgent attention.
In this regard, we warmly commend Australia for assuming the role of President of Negotiations at COP31 to be held in November in Türkiye at this pivotal moment for global climate action.
Guided by our shared values and longstanding friendship, we look forward to working closely together, in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, towards a successful and ambitious outcome for the benefit of present and future generations.
Malta and Australia have consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the climate agenda. We have spared no effort in advancing the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – to whom climate change is an existential threat – through sustained advocacy, enhanced information exchange, and sharing of technical expertise and best practices.
Malta fully shares Australia’s interest in a stable and prosperous Asia–Oceania, recognising the region’s ever-growing strategic and economic importance.
In this regard, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is drafting a Policy Framework aimed at strengthening Malta’s engagement with partners in this region through deeper political dialogue, economic cooperation, and educational and cultural exchanges.
The Policy also addresses collaboration on shared global challenges, including regional connectivity, freedom of navigation, maritime security and climate action.
No country can deal with these matters alone. It is only through concerted efforts that we can achieve effective solutions that serve our citizens and future generations. We must utilise existing tools and frameworks leveraging their potential, and investing in them to make sure that they are fit for purpose in today’s world.
Ladies and gentlemen
I once again extend my thanks to High Commissioner Skelly for hosting us this evening. Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, to the enduring friendship between our nations and our peoples, and to a bright future ahead.