Mur Lura
SPEECH BY H.E. PROF. GUIDO DE MARCO, PRESIDENT OF MALTA, DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW MALTESE EMBASSY IN BEIJING – CHINA
03/07/2001
Excellencies,
Hon. Minister,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
| Opening the new premises of one of our Missions | abroad carries particular significance. Especially here in Beijing. It provides renewed impetus to the image of one’s country. It also embodies a message of understanding and a disposition to further multi-level cooperation with the host country. |
| The Government of Malta considers our Embassy in | Beijing as being one of our most strategically important. We value the very good relations that we were able to foster in nearly three decades of friendship with the People’s Republic of China – a vast country rich in history and one of the major global powers, holding the promise of fulfilling all its positive potential in the near future. |
| Subsequent Governments have striven to secure this | particular linkage with China – particular because we consider it to be a model relationship between a great power and a Mediterranean island state. Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Dr Joe Borg, I have come to build upon these very good relations between two geographically distant countries. We are two sovereign states sharing a common determination towards consolidating peace and security through a relevant and engaged United Nations Organisation in a multi-polar world order. |
| We understand that the People’s Republic of China | is endeavouring towards securing peace and stability on the Asian continent and the neighbouring regions. The Government of Malta is following a policy of accession to the European Union and pursuing its vocation of invigorating a comprehensive partnership in the Euro-Mediterranean region. |
| To us Maltese, also because of our strategic | location, our foreign policy necessarily impacts considerably upon our domestic concerns, and vice versa. Thus the importance of our Embassies which are an extension of our values and vision, linking Malta to the world. |
| Our Embassies are the primary contact point and | manifestation of our ancient archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean – a sea pregnant with history and civilisation. Ours is a culture founded upon the interaction of peoples who left their mark on our land. Over the centuries, we were able to mould an identity built around the values of peace and freedom, solidarity and justice. Today, we cherish our role as a bridge of understanding among peoples and cultures, across our region and beyond. |
This is what Maltese diplomats embody and represent. They are entrusted with representing the Republic and the people. Theirs is the duty to ensure that Malta retains a relevant standing in the international scene. Therefore the necessity of their intellectual and cultural awareness of our ancient roots, whilst being forward looking in propagating our political, socio-cultural and economic values, interests and concerns.
| Within the context of a rapidly evolving global | environment, our diplomats are those best poised to take advantage of opportunities that arise whilst being alert to the challenges lying ahead. Malta, in relation to its relatively limited resources, has invested significantly in our diplomats and Missions. Therefore, they have an added duty and responsibility in conveying and fulfilling the aims of an appropriately principled foreign policy. |
| The re-institution of the diplomatic corps, some | years back, was an important step towards ensuring that a qualified body of diplomats carry forward the Government’s policies in a pragmatic and efficient manner. It also provided us with the opportunity of having an independent professional corps able to lead Malta’s course of pro-active and relevant engagement in the international scene. |
| Our Ambassadors carry the onus of spearheading ideas | and initiatives aimed at consolidating the stature of Malta, adding to its international clout and presence. I am confident that Malta will continue availing itself, in the best possible manner, of the services of responsible and dedicated individuals who have at heart the future of our country in a globalised world. |
Ladies and Gentlemen,
During my tenure as Foreign Minister, I ensured that a resident Ambassador be stationed in Beijing – an intention which became a reality in March 1994 with our first resident Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Victor Gauci. An Ambassador and an Embassy can better bridge differences and distances, promote and facilitate trade exchanges, and link peoples.
This visit consolidates further the comprehensive friendship between Malta and China. The opening of this new premises in the diplomatic compound in Beijing is one such clear indication of our will to augment the profile of our presence and engagement.
Nawgura li permezz tal-hidma siewja tad-diplomazija Maltija, inkomplu dejjem insahhu r-relazzjonijiet taghna mac-Cina.
(It is my wish that, thanks to the endeavours of Maltese diplomacy, we will continue to strengthen further our relations with China.)Din l-Ambaxxata hija bieb miftuh ta’ Malta fic-Cina.
(This Embassy is Malta’s open door in China.)Nawgura lilek, Sur Ambaxxatur, u lill-kollaboraturi tieghek, hidma mill-ahjar.
(I wish you, Mr Ambassador, and your colleagues, success in your work.)
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