It is my pleasure to be here with you today at this special biennial event organised by the Honorary Consular Corps. This year’s occasion is even more special, as the Corps celebrates its thirtieth anniversary.
At the outset, I thank you all for your valuable service. I also take this opportunity to welcome those of you who have been recently appointed. The excellent work you carry out throughout the year is an important part of Malta’s engagement with the outside world, and the Presidency appreciates your contributions.
Your work is multifaceted, ranging from serving as a point of contact for nationals who may need assistance while in Malta, to promoting trade, culture, and science. I also recognise the fact that your work has become more demanding over the past few years, especially considering Malta’s exponential economic growth.
Malta’s success in increasing its GDP year after year derives from its ability to adopt a dynamic approach and diversify its economy. Your role in attracting investments capable of positively impacting our economy has been critical.
The same can be said about Malta’s innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who aim to expand their businesses in other markets around the world. The work you carry out in establishing links with the countries you represent, and concurrently offering the necessary support to our companies, deserves our acknowledgement and grateful appreciation.
The latest statistics indicate that Malta’s labour market has experienced a significant rise in the number of foreign workers, who now account for 28.1 per cent of the total population.
Tourism provides substantial input into Malta’s economy. Around 3.6 million tourists visit our islands every year, and this number is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Additionally, our country continues to attract young persons, many of whom visit our shores for educational purposes and to study English.
Through your work as Honorary Consuls, you actively contribute towards increasing people-to-people contacts. These are of paramount importance. They make all the difference in fostering trust and establishing lasting links, which in turn lead to securing opportunities that benefit our nations.
Ladies and gentlemen
During this biennial event, the Honorary Consular Corps also recognises the achievements of the top student at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC). This year, we celebrate and honour the excellence shown by Mr Nicholas Vella in his thesis on Poland’s Foreign Policy vis-à-vis Ukraine from 2014-2024.
Nicholas, I sincerely congratulate you on this outstanding achievement, and commend you for your commitment, dedication, and hard work. I have no doubt that you have the wisdom to recognise that this award is a solid foundation on which to build your future, and not a point of arrival.
Mr Vella’s success is also testament to the dedication and professionalism of all the lecturers and staff at MEDAC. Over the years, the Academy has been consistently equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge, preparing them to become diplomats, policy-shapers, negotiators, and mediators.
As the world is going through turbulent times, and as the strain on the multilateral system continues to grow, tomorrow’s representatives must be the advocates for dialogue and diplomacy. These principles are the cornerstone of Malta’s foreign policy, as we have amply demonstrated during our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council il 2023-24, and as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in 2024.
Members of the Honorary Consular Corps can help instil these values into students and young diplomats by serving as an example, an inspiration tangibly manifested through your actions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
I conclude by thanking Prof Ing. Joseph Buhagiar, Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps and all the members of the Corps for your commitment shown towards our nation.
I thank you for keeping the best interests of Malta and the country you represent at the heart of your duties and encourage you to keep up the good work. Rest assured that you have my full support and appreciation.
