Message of Condolences to former USSR President Michael Gorbachev

H.E. The President of Malta Guido de Marco has sent a message of condolences to the former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev on the demise of his wife Raisa on Monday 20 September after a long battle with leukaemia.

In his letter Prof. De Marco reminisced the visit to Malta of President and Mrs Gorbachev in December 1989 at the historic summit between Gorbachev and the then US President George Bush. During her stay in Malta, Madame Gorbacheva "won the hearts of so many through her style, her charm and her warmth", the President remarked.

"My wife and I, as well as the Government and people of Malta, would like to convey to you and your family, our sincere sorrow and understanding in this trying moment," Prof. De Marco said in his message.