PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Deputy Prime Minister Borg visits the Maltese community in the State of California

Dr Borg meets with the local council of Millbrae, a city twinned with Mosta

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, met with the Maltese community living in the State of California, at the Maltese-American Social Club in San Francisco.

He visited the Maltese community in this State ahead of several meetings with local leaders, representatives from the artificial intelligence industry in Silicon Valley, and other industries, to discuss possible collaborations in tourism and other areas, in coming days.

At the Maltese-American Social Club, Dr Borg highlighted the important role that these organisations play in keeping the Maltese identity and traditions alive among Malta's diasporas, including families who have never lived in Malta themselves. He also praised the club's commitment, as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

“When they were starting a new life far from Malta's shores, these communities felt they needed to create a structure to help one another, and today this serves as a centre of celebration where they meet and organise activities together," Dr Borg said. Such clubs fulfil a social role and help members remain in contact with one another, while serving to pass on the love for their home country and its history, from one generation to the next.

“I wish to convey the message of the Government and the Maltese people, that we are proud of the success of our communities abroad, and how you carry the white and red flag wherever you go. We wish you well, but we also invite you to return to our country, to experience the Maltese Islands and to continue contributing to the development of our nation," Dr Borg added.

The club's President, Mary Vella Gomes, explained that the community that gathers at the club includes people from across the entire San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. “I have the honour of being the first woman in the club's history serving in this role, as we look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in a few years' time. Today we are pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and, while we have people present from many different cities, we also made sure that several Maltese-led associations are represented here as well," she said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the councillors and the Mayor of Millbrae, home to many Maltese and Gozitan emigrants and their descendants, and a city twinned with Mosta.

“The relationship between Mosta and Millbrae began in 1996 because many families living here had a connection with the locality. Over the years, we have had several delegations visit Malta, and it has always been a pleasure to welcome Maltese delegations to our city, including Presidents of the Republic, Prime Ministers, and now also Deputy Prime Minister Borg," said the Mayor of Millbrae, Reuben D. Holober.