NEW MALTESE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO CANADA PRESENTS LETTERS OF COMMISSION

NEW MALTESE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO CANADA PRESENTS LETTERS OF COMMISSION

On Wednesday, 2^nd February 2000, High Commissioner George Saliba presented his letters of Commission to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada.

In acknowledging the Letters of Commission, Her Excellency the Governor General states that she knew Malta well, and that she had visited Malta and also stayed in Gozo with some friends. She was also aware of the successful Maltese community in Canada, which was mainly concentrated in Toronto.

During a private meeting, the Governor General related her experiences in Malta again, and encouraged the new High Commissioner to promote Malta in Canada, as very few Canadians knew what Malta really had to offer.

The High Commissioner talked about the Convention of Leaders of Association of Maltese Abroad and of Maltese Origin which had just been held in Malta, as well as the changes to the naturalization and citizenship laws which were meant to maintain the close ties between Maltese migrants and their homeland.

Her Excellency the Governor General then enquired about Malta's application to join the European Union, and the High Commissioner explained that Malta would soon be starting negotiations and that Malta would definitely be ready by the time the first accession takes place.

In conclusion, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson expressed the hope to visit Malta again, and High Commissioner George Saliba extended an invitation to the Governor General for an official visit to Malta.

High Commissioner George Saliba was accompanied by his spouse Yvonne, and by Mr. Carmel Spiteri, Honorary Consul for Ottawa.

3.02.2000