Speech by the President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on the occasion of the visit to Malta by the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during the state dinner at The Palace, Valletta
Your Excellency, President Poroshenko and Madam Poroshenko
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Dear friends,
I would like to welcome Your Excellency, President Poroshenko, and Madam Poroshenko, on your visit to the Maltese Islands.
Your Excellency, your state visit to Malta is a historical one, as this is the very first visit of a Ukrainian Head of State.
This visit is also historical for the number of agreements which have been signed today. Such agreements are crucial, to open, completely, opportunities to explore and develop the potential collaborations between our countries, in a wide spectrum of areas.
These mutual agreements are all due to the number of high level meetings which have recently taken place, and are evidence of the vibrant ties between our two nations.
Malta welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations, which will lead to further dialogue and renewed cooperation between our respective Foreign Ministries.
Furthermore, Malta welcomes the signing of agreements in the areas of culture, of sports, and of higher education.
These memoranda of understanding are examples of close collaboration between our respective authorities, which shall lead to deeper contacts among the diverse communities of our countries.
In light of such interactions and today’s signing of agreements, we must positively note that relations between Malta and Ukraine have now steadily grown, deeper than the diplomatic relations which were first established in 1992, to the further benefit of our peoples.
On the other hand, the friendship that has developed between our nations also reflects the shared values that we hold dear. Our firm commitment to build sustainable peace within our respective regions, and achieving solidarity between all nations of goodwill, will continue to seal the bonds of friendship between us and our peoples.
During these times of global uncertainty, we must safeguard our democratic ideals, which are more essential now, than ever before.
We must continue to build stronger links between and among all our countries, and across the various regions of Europe, through an ongoing process of dialogue.
Let me therefore encourage greater synergy between the cultural and business communities of our nations. By developing such synergies, our cultural and business communities shall be able to effectively and efficiently identify new opportunities for mutual growth.
New opportunities can be explored in the areas that include the tourism industries, aircraft registration and aviation services, financial and banking services, the insurance sector, pharmaceuticals, I-gaming, healthcare provision, education, and the teaching of English as a foreign language.
It is clear that a focus on the economic prosperity of our societies is essential, in order to address social concerns as well.
Furthermore, Malta has been, and shall continue to be, a champion of democracy, and for this reason it is a strong supporter of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Your Excellency, I would like, also, to take the opportunity to commend you for the progress your country has made, which is leading to substantial improvements, that are strengthening your nation’s resilience.
Malta remains dedicated to fully implementing the European Union’s appeal, for an end to all forms of conflict in the region, in order for peace-building measures and dialogue to take root.
The priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union are aimed at such efforts. These priorities shall initiate and sustain peace, and solidarity, both across Europe in general, and beyond.
I must highlight the commitment that all nations made, through the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, and its Sustainable Development Goals, to create a culture of peace, of solidarity, and of wellbeing, for the benefit of all the inhabitants of our world.
Your Excellency, I believe that we must continue to strengthen our efforts, with a focus on education and culture, so that our children and young people, who shall one day take our place as the leaders of tomorrow, will enjoy a world that is conducive to peace and prosperity.
For this reason, I am pleased to share an example of cultural diplomacy that took place through last year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Malta.
Children from Ukraine, Albania, Belarus, and Bulgaria joined their peers from other countries, to visit Malta. These children had the opportunity to share new experiences, and to learn about Maltese culture, and to dialogue with students from Malta and Gozo.
It is this quality of connection, of person-to-person encounter and a living exchange of experiences, that can bring nations together, through friendships that build and enhance a culture of sustainable and positive peace.
I believe that we must explore further opportunities for our children and young people to come together, so as to enhance their understanding of the ideals of peace; the principles of democratic participation; respect for Human Rights; and the upholding of the Rule of Law.
On a lighter note, I would like to conclude by sharing my hopes that the upcoming friendly football match between Malta and Ukraine, which shall be held next month as part of preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifier, will be an opportunity for sports diplomacy, and for our peoples to foster an atmosphere of friendship.
Let’s raise our glasses and drink to the health of His Excellency, President Petro Poroshenko, and Madam Maryna Poroshenko, and to the excellent relations and friendship between our peoples.