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.