It is my pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. This occasion serves as an opportunity to express our appreciation for China’s abundant historical heritage and culture. It is also a moment to pay tribute to the enduring friendship and cooperation that exists between our countries.
Ours is a relationship based on trust, dialogue, and mutual respect, principles to which Malta is deeply committed. These principles have guided our foreign policy in the six decades since we have gained our independence, and have shaped us into a respected player on the world stage, an honest broker, and an unwavering voice for peace.
This approach has resulted in the excellent bilateral ties Malta and China enjoy today, which have culminated in the signing of over sixty agreements on a wide array of issues including trade, culture, education, medicine, investment and energy, and numerous high-level meetings.
We remain committed to fostering and promoting stronger business ties between our countries, and facilitating initiatives that seek to bring about increased interaction between our respective stakeholders.
At the same time, we must continue engaging to address existing barriers to trade, and preserve an international environment that facilitates free, fair, and open commercial relations, and a level playing field for all.
In this connection, maintaining a productive and frank dialogue between China and the European Union on trade matters is of fundamental importance. Beyond trade, it is equally important to maintain an open channel on the existential challenges of our time, including climate change, to ensure a sustainable future for all.
I am also pleased and encouraged to see the vibrant cultural ties that exist between our countries and look forward to further deepening our collaboration in this sector. In this connection, I must also highlight the central role that the Chinese Cultural Centre plays in fostering and enhancing these ties.
I also extend my appreciation to the Chinese Community in Malta, and its valuable contributions to our society.
Distinguished guests
As we celebrate the enduring friendship between Malta and China, we must also confront the broader challenges that affect us all. The values of dialogue, respect, and cooperation that underpin our bilateral relations are equally vital in addressing the pressing global challenges we face today in this increasingly volatile international context.
We view the fostering of goodwill in our dealings with members of the international community as laying the ground for cooperation in matters which may arise or situations which may evolve. An example of this is the way in which Malta is currently in the process of formulating its second Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy. This will build upon the foundations laid by the 2020–2025 framework, incorporating valuable lessons learnt and introduce policies to respond effectively to evolving regional and global realities.
Turning to our continent, Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine continues unabated, despite various diplomatic efforts aimed at ending this conflict. Over the past few days and weeks, the airspace of three EU Member States, Poland Romania, and Estonia, was violated by Russian drones and fighter jets. This was yet another reckless and destabilising act, one that constituted a serious violation and posed a direct threat to civilian safety.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The Palestinian population continues to suffer death, hunger, and disease as civilians are forced to endure unimaginable hardships following two years of relentless bombardments and unrestrained military action.
Against this backdrop, a consignment of 250 tons of flour donated by Malta has just reached the Strip and will be distributed through the World Central Kitchen. This will hopefully serve to alleviate some of the suffering of the Gazan population.
As the flames of this war are dangerously fanned around the region, we stand firm in our belief that returning to the political track to achieve a just and lasting two-State solution is the only viable way forward.
This is why on Monday Malta formally recognised the State of Palestine. We see this as an essential step towards peace and justice, and we encourage all other countries to consider doing so, too.
The international community cannot and must not remain silent when confronted with such blatant violations of international law. On the contrary, we must stand up for the multilateral system and the UN Charter.
International Humanitarian Law is not an idealistic concept. Far from it. It is a vital framework put in place to preserve the shred of human dignity that remains on the battlefield, and to alleviate some of the suffering that those trapped in conflict situations face daily. It is therefore our moral obligation to safeguard international humanitarian law, for the sake of all humankind.
Mr Peng, distinguished guests
In closing, I once again thank you for hosting us this evening. I reiterate that Malta looks ahead with optimism to exploring new partnerships with China, particularly in emerging sectors such as digital innovation, green technology, and sustainable development, for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued wellbeing of His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.
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