PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China supports conservation of Malta’s cultural heritage

Speaker of the House of Representatives Carmelo Abela welcomed the contribution from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China towards the conservation and restoration of four paintings at the Parish Church of Żejtun.

The paintings – Christ Praying in Gethsemane and Christ Carrying the Cross by Gian Nicola Buhagiar, and The Immaculate Conception and Saint Anne, attributed to Karlu Gimach – form part of Malta's rich artistic, religious and historical heritage.

The Speaker expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for this tangible contribution towards the preservation of Malta's cultural heritage. He commended the Chinese Ambassador for his initiatives, which, he said, demonstrate that the friendship between Malta and China translates into concrete projects that contribute to the social and cultural fabric of Maltese society.

Speaker Abela noted that Malta's churches and the works of art they house are an important part of the country's collective identity and that their preservation is an investment in Malta's cultural inheritance for future generations.

In his intervention, the Chinese Ambassador highlighted the importance of the agreement as a reflection of the longstanding friendship between China and Malta. Expressing appreciation for the efforts of Speaker Abela, he reaffirmed China's commitment to sharing opportunities with the world through Chinese modernisation – specifically through initiatives supporting local communities and heritage preservation.

Rev Anton Galea Scannura, parish priest, expressed his appreciation for the Embassy's support, noting that the restoration of the four paintings will ensure that these important works can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by the community and future generations.

The Speaker thanked the Chinese Embassy and the Żejtun Parish for their cooperation in making the project possible and welcomed the continued strengthening of Malta-China friendship through concrete cultural and community initiatives.