Malta Embassy Marks Independence And 50 Years Of Diplomatic Ties With Qatar

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Embassy of Malta in Doha marked two significant milestones: the 61st anniversary of Malta's independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and Qatar.
The reception, held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel, brought together a large gathering of diplomats, government officials, and dignitaries, including Qatar's Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai; Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhro; and European Union Ambassador to Qatar and Kuwait Cristian Tudor.
Addressing the event, Malta's Ambassador to Qatar Simon Pullicino reflected on his country's journey since independence.“At independence, Malta faced serious challenges, with no natural resources and the scars of the Second World War still visible. Over the decades, however, the country diversified its economy, built modern infrastructure, and eventually joined the European Union,” he blade-->

Today, Ambassador Pullicino noted, Malta is among Europe's fastest-growing economies. Tourism remains a key driver, with a record four million visitors expected this year-nearly eight times the island nation's population. Beyond economics, he highlighted Malta's role as a cultural bridge between Europe, North Africa, and the Arab world, underpinned by the Maltese language, the EU's only official Semitic language.
An exclusive two-minute recorded video message for the occasion from Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, was also played during the reception. He emphasised that Malta has thrived as an independent nation, led by a resilient, outward-looking people and a diversified economy driven by advanced manufacturing, tourism, and services.“Our global role far exceeds our size, as shown through recent leadership in the UN Security Council, OSCE, and Council of Europe. Diplomatic ties and deep-rooted people-to-people connections underpin our prosperity,” he said.
The envoy also underscored the strength of Malta-Qatar relations over the past five decades, citing high-level visits, regular political consultations, and the opening of Malta's embassy in Doha four years ago. He welcomed the reintroduction of direct Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Valletta in July 2025, describing it as a step that will further boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
On foreign policy, Ambassador Pullicino emphasised both nations' shared commitment to diplomacy and dialogue. He praised Qatar's mediation efforts in the Middle East and reiterated Malta's recognition of the State of Palestine, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a two-state solution. He also voiced concern over the war in Ukraine, urging adherence to international law, human rights, and the UN Charter.

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