PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Presentation of Credentials to H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, by three new members of the Diplomatic Corps

During a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Valletta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, received the Letters of Credence from a High Commissioner and an Ambassador, both resident in Malta, and a non-resident Ambassador.

These are:

• Victoria Alice Markland Busby, OBE, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

• Shaymaa Badawi, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and

• Nogozene Bakayoko, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

Following the presentation of her credentials, the British High Commissioner spoke of the excellent relations between the United Kingdom and Malta. She underlined her mission’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership across all sectors, particularly diplomacy, culture, and people-to-people relations.

Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono acknowledged the close and historic relationship between Malta and the United Kingdom, both bilaterally and multilaterally. She noted the two countries’ recent recognition of the State of Palestine and expressed the hope that this will contribute towards advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

The President also reflected on the importance of sustaining and deepening this relationship, built on a set of shared values, despite the fact that the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union.

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt expressed her determination to strengthen relations between Egypt and Malta, indicating her intention to work towards finalising various agreements to enhance bilateral ties. 

She thanked Malta for its active role at the multilateral level, including its recent official recognition of Palestine.

Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono spoke of the affinity between the two peoples and countries, nurtured over the years through the promotion of shared values in favour of peace and security in the Mediterranean region. She also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Egyptian Government in providing humanitarian assistance to civilians and facilitating safe evacuation from conflict zones in Gaza.

The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire highlighted the progressive developments taking place in her country, which are creating opportunities to diversify its diplomatic relations with Malta. She noted that this is an opportune moment for countries such as Malta to explore further avenues of cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture and trade.

The President recognised that, at the multilateral level, both countries pursue a common policy promoting peace and security within their respective regions.

During the meetings, President Spiteri Debono extended her congratulations to the Ambassadors and the High Commissioner on their appointments.