We gather here today to commemorate the national day of the People’s Republic of China, and to celebrate the friendship that unites our countries.
Although geographically distant, since establishing diplomatic ties in 1972, Malta and China have enjoyed a close and fruitful relationship rooted in mutual respect, equality, and understanding.
These principles have served as the foundation of our partnership, allowing it to withstand the test of time and changing international circumstances. They have led to tangible results and the signing of multiple agreements.
I am confident that they will serve us in the future as well, allowing us to build further on what we have already achieved.
Trade continues to be an important pillar of cooperation, and China continues to be considered an important country by many Maltese business stakeholders.
Against this backdrop, Malta actively encourages measures aimed at promoting business ties between our countries. We look forward to expanding exchanges across different sectors, including the blue and green economies, tourism, education, and fisheries.
On this occasion, I am pleased to note the cultural relations that exist between our countries, especially given the long histories and rich heritage of our two nations. This is an area in which we can work closely together and further expand our engagement.
Events such as the Malta Arts Biennale held earlier this year, saw China’s participation through a national pavilion, providing enriching experiences and fostering broader exchanges in heritage and the arts. Malta’s accession to the EUNIC China Cluster in Beijing has also contributed to strengthening cultural dialogue between the two countries.
I am also pleased to note that last year Mandarin Chinese was one of the five new subjects being offered at MATSEC. This is a clear recognition of the growing relevance of Chinese language education in Malta, and a testament to the importance that our country attaches to preparing future generations for an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
I also avail myself of this opportunity to once again thank the Chinese Embassy in Malta for its generous support in funding the Malta Service Dogs Foundation to train four new service dogs last June. This humanitarian gesture, which will help four individuals become more independent, is a concretisation of the way in which the Chinese Embassy in Malta seeks to foster increased empathy between our two peoples. This assistance was greatly appreciated by the Presidency.
Ladies and gentlemen
Beyond bilateral ties, Malta also remains committed to a constructive and balanced relationship between the European Union and China. Malta will continue to encourage sustained engagement and practical cooperation in areas where our interests converge, while supporting dialogue to address differences openly and responsibly.
In a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global environment, such engagement must remain firmly rooted in the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, especially respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, political independence, and the centrality of international law.
These principles and values are essential in fostering trust among nations and ensuring a predictable and stable international environment.
Regrettably, the proliferation of wars and conflicts over the past few years has placed the international system under great duress, creating global instability and severe disruptions to the global market.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has caused immense human suffering and has had far-reaching consequences for peace and security.
The recent military escalations in the Gulf, including incidents affecting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, have underscored the importance of upholding international maritime law and safeguarding freedom of navigation in a region that is vital to global trade.
At the same time, the deeply concerning humanitarian situation in Gaza should not be sidelined, while the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank risks further undermining prospects for a negotiated peace.
The Mediterranean remains a region of immense strategic importance, serving as a bridge between peoples, cultures and economies. For Malta, the Mediterranean is not only our home, but also a natural meeting point between Europe and the wider world.
Malta attaches great importance to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development across the region.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen China–Mediterranean cooperation and to building bridges that bring our peoples, economies, and cultures closer together.
Apart from determined efforts to address geopolitical tensions, collective efforts are also needed to make sure that existential threats of our time, such as climate change, are duly addressed.
Addressing these challenges requires strengthened international cooperation, solidarity and practical solutions. Particular attention needs to be given to the circumstances of developing countries and those most severely affected.
In this regard, the international community has an important role to play in promoting sustainable development, accelerating the transition towards cleaner sources of energy, and fostering technological innovation that can contribute to reducing emissions and strengthening global climate resilience.
More broadly, Malta stands firm in its belief that responses to all security challenges must reinforce, and not erode, the international rules-based order. Dialogue and mediation are essential if we are to reach our goal of having universal peace and prosperity, and if we are to make sure that no country is left behind.
Ladies and gentlemen
I once again extend my thanks to Ambassador Zhang for hosting us this evening. Malta remains fully committed to fostering a partnership with China that delivers mutual benefit for our peoples.
On behalf of the people of Malta, may I now invite you to join me in a toast to the well-being of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.