The Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, has concluded his two-day state visit to Malta. It is evident through the high-level meetings held that that two countries enjoy an excellent relationship and share the same values and aspirations.

During the last hours of his stay, Mattarella received a courtesy visit by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta, Angelo Farrugia.

Speaker Farrugia and President Mattarella highlighted the excellent and cordial bilateral relations that exist between Malta and Italy, which relations have been consolidated over the years through various agreements, including, in particular the five Financial Protocols and the fifteen Cultural and Educational Agreements.

The discussion also focused on the international situation, mainly the Mediterranean and the problem of migration. They agreed that migration has to be managed properly and that the Members States of the European Union should show active and not passive solidarity.

The importance of the parliamentary diplomacy as well as the role of national Parliaments and parliamentary cooperation in international organisations featured in the talks. In this regard, the close cooperation between the Maltese House of Representatives and the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies was highlighted.

The programme proceeded with a cultural visit to the old Maltese capital city of Mdina where the local Mayor Peter Sant Manduca welcomed him.

Late on Wednesday evening, a state dinner was held in honour of the Italian President hosted by the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. She reaffirmed the outstanding cooperation in many areas between Malta and Italy that include trade, tourism, energy, immigration and culture.

During this event the Maltese President pointed out that next year, the capital city Valletta will be the European Cultural City for 2018, and augured that this would present a unique opportunity to strengthen the two nations’ collaboration in the field of art.

She also thanked the Italian Ambassador to Malta Giovanni Umberto De Vito for his continuous effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, as his tenure will expire in the upcoming days.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

 

Source: medNews