PRESIDENT DE MARCO GIVEN A WARM WELCOME BY COMMUNITY OF MALTESE DESCENT NEAR VALENCIA

The President arrived at Valencia from Palma de Mallorca on Saturday morning. He started his visit by attending a mass at San Juan de l' Hospital, a Church which used to belong to the Knights of Malta and is still being used by them.

Later, he visited the city of Xativa where he was greeted by the mayor and shown the palace of Hippolito Sans, a Knight of Malta, author of the epic poem on the great seige of 1565 La Maltea. He was also shown around the Cathedral and other historical places.

The climax of the visit was the warm welcome which the President and Mrs. de Marco received in Valdigna where they were met by the mayor of the town of Tavernes, Mr. Eugenio Perez Mifsud and his wife as well as by a gathering of about 300 persons of Maltese descent. The President viewed the restoration works being carried out at the monastery of Santa Maria de la Valdigna.

After a short welcome speech by the mayor, the President addressed the gathering, mentioning in particular the importance of their knowing the history of the country of their ancestors. He explained the halmarks of Maltese history and the present-day aspirations of the Maltese people. He said that he believed that Malta and Spain share a common European belongingness and common interests in the mediterranean. He also expressed the wish to be able to receive those present, at the Palace in Valletta in the future.

Ambassador Charles Aquilina addressed the gathering, speaking about the setting up of a Spanish-Maltese friendship association. Among those present for this event were the holders of such surnames as Abela, Vela, Attard, Mifsud, Schembri, Gerada and other well known Maltese surnames.

On Monday morning, the President and Mrs. de Marco were guests of the President of the Generalidad of Valencia, Eduardo Zaplana and Mrs. Zaplana and later attended the annual institutional ceremony of the 9 th October at the Palace of the Generalidad of Valencia.

The President and Mrs. de Marco will be returning to Malta on Tuesday afternoon.