We gather here today to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Austria, and to honour the excellent ties that exist between our two countries. Our relationship, built on common values and mutual respect, has continued to grow over the years, particularly after Malta joined the European Union in 2004.
At present, trade between Malta and Austria continues to register important growth. Austria remains a priority country for Malta, and we will continue to encourage all measures aimed at promoting business ties between our nations, particularly in the FinTech, IT, education, aviation, and manufacturing sectors. We welcome all initiatives aimed at bringing about increased interaction between our respective commercial stakeholders and unlocking the potential for the evolvement of trade between our two countries.
Tourism figures are remarkable, and reinforce our eagerness to explore new avenues of cooperation in this area, to further increase and facilitate people-to-people contacts. The availability of daily direct flights significantly contributes to bringing Valletta and Vienna, two cities renowned for their beauty and cultural heritage, closer to each other. Maintaining this level of connectivity is key in ensuring a steady flow of tourists between our countries.
Cooperation in the fields of culture and education is also strong, and the Maltese Embassy in Vienna greatly contributes to promoting Maltese music, poetry, and literature in Austria. Austria’s participation in the Malta Arts Biennale in 2024 with a national pavilion, and Malta’s participation in the second edition of the European Film Festival in February 2025 with the docu-film ‘Bejn is-Sema u l-Art’, are just two examples of our vibrant cultural exchanges.
Looking ahead, we are committed to discovering new and creative ways in which to deepen these ties and proactively invest in the unique opportunities that culture provides.
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests
As members of the European Union, Malta and Austria attach great importance to the upholding of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. While both our countries maintain a policy of neutrality, this position has never served as a pretext to shy away from taking clear and principled stands on important political developments and matters of common concern. Neutrality does not freeze us into inaction. On the contrary, we have consistently taken a strong and principled stance against violations of the UN Charter and international law, especially when the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of a country are violated.
Our countries were unequivocal and unwavering in their support for Ukraine and her people following Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression, and provided humanitarian assistance to help alleviate some of the suffering and hardships of the civilian population.
This principled belief and commitment to international peace and security also resulted in Malta taking the helm of the OSCE in 2024. This could not have been possible without the direct assistance of Austria who were at the forefront with their support, be it in the provision of the premises as well as the secondment of three officials.
Our countries have also distinguished themselves at the international level as unwavering voices on nuclear non-proliferation. On various occasions, Malta and Austria have reaffirmed their firm resolve to advancing disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control as essential pillars of peace and security. We strongly believe that the international community must intensify efforts to strengthen the key treaties, namely the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). It is our strong conviction that disarmament is not only a security consideration, but a moral imperative as well.
During these turbulent times, in which we are facing complex and multifaceted challenges, it is important to keep our focus on diplomacy and protect the multilateral institutions that help foster dialogue among nations. Concerted efforts aimed at promoting and investing in bridge-building and peacebuilding, and particularly the fostering of dialogue and trust, are urgently needed. To this end, Malta stands ready to continue serving as a credible and reliable broker that the international community can depend on.
Distinguished guests
I once again thank Ambassador Hermges and Honorary Consul General Bianchi for hosting us this evening. I reiterate that Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening relations between our two countries.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued wellbeing of His Excellency Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.
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