PRESIDENT DE MARCO RECEIVES THE ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER OF INDIA

President Guido de Marco today received Mr. G.L. Bali, the Acting High Commissioner for India. During the meeting the President expressed Malta's solidarity with the people of India for the grief which they are experiencing after the tragedy in the state of Gujarat.

President de Marco spoke of the devastating effects which the earthquake left on the population in the region. The Maltese people, said the President, feel very close to the people of India in this trying time and manifest their belief in the value of solidarity through various initiatives aimed at delivering some assistance to the stricken region.

H.E. The President gave the Acting High Commissioner his message of solidarity to be conveyed to the President of India.

Text of message follows…

29^th January, 2001

H.E. R.K. Narayan

President of the Republic of India

Excellency,

On my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Malta, I would like to express my solidarity in this moment of tragedy.

The earthquake in the State of Gujarat has been devastating in its effects on the population. The Maltese people feel very close to your people in this trying time and manifest their belief in the value of solidarity through various initiatives aimed at delivering some assistance to the stricken region.

I am certain that your nation, with its vast potential, will overcome such distressing circumstances.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Guido de Marco

President of Malta