On 2 September 2022, the China-Malta Friendship Concert in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malta diplomatic relations was held in the Mediterranean Conference Center. H.E. Ambassador Yu Dunhai, Maltese Prime Minister Hon. Dr Robert Abela and Foreign Minister Hon. Dr Ian Borg attended the Concert. More than 500 guests were invited, including ministers, MPs, judges, formal dignitaries, diplomatic corps and people from all walks of life.
Ambassador Yu said in his speech that China and Malta have braved wind and rain for half a century and always stood on each other’s side. Together we have witnessed the construction of the Red China Dock, the Marsaxlokk Breakwater, and the signing of an MoU on “Belt and Road” cooperation. Together we have witnessed the contribution made by the China Cultural Center, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, and the Confucius Institute to the mutual understanding between our peoples. Together we have witnessed Malta’s assistance to China in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya and the spirit of brotherhood that defines our joint battle against Covid-19.
Ambassador Yu said that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, President Xi Jinping had a warm and friendly phone conversation with President George Vella, noting that as old and good friends, China and Malta have forged a close bond that stands the test of time. Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Robert Abela also exchanged congratulatory messages and committed to pushing for the greater progress of bilateral relations. Last month, President Xi Jinping wrote a reply letter to the Science China Corner at St. Margaret College Secondary School Verdala, which testifies the ever closer people to people ties between our two countries. Looking into the next 50 years, we must draw up a blueprint for cooperation and work to upgrade our relations.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said in his statement that Malta and China have enjoyed five decades of strong collaboration, friendship and cooperation in a multitude of areas. The strong collaboration between Malta and China during the Covid time enabled us to manage the pandemic more efficiently and ultimately safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our people. The basis and the foundation for this strong relationship is the mutual trust and respect between our two countries and our people.
Prime Minister Abela said that we are facing a plethora of global challenges threatening the world order. Respecting and understanding one another through effective dialogue is the only way to resolve conflicts. We have to work bilaterally and multilaterally so that our people prosper. This is also what Malta will promote during its term in the United Nations Security Council.
Foreign Minister Ian Borg said in his statement that since 1972, Malta and China have shared exemplary bilateral ties. Our warm relations have witnessed a crescendo in mutual awareness between our governments, punctuated by historic meetings of high-ranking government officials. Malta and China have signed over sixty agreements on trade, culture, energy, education, and transport. Despite the major difference in size and vast geographical distance, the two countries have developed vibrant cultural relations and strong people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Borg said that Malta and China would continue to collaborate closely and comprehensively on key areas of mutual and global concern. Malta will continue to uphold the values of multilateralism, fostering collaboration and partnership rather than competition and confrontation.
The Concert is co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta. It is co-organized by the China Cultural Centre in Malta and the Mediterranean Conference Centre. The Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra performed six pieces of music written by Maltese and Chinese composers, winning applause of the audience.
