The 60th anniversary of Malta’s independence was celebrated with a reception at the Divan Hotel.
Ferhat Yüksel
HOSTED by Malta’s Chargé d’Affaires Kathleen Vella Mamo, the event was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ayşe Berris Ekinci, numerous ambassadors, and other distinguished guests. In her speech at the reception, Deputy Minister Ekinci highlighted both the shared history dating back to the 16th century and the growing friendship between Türkiye and Malta. She stated, “Over the years, our two countries have developed a bond built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a vision for a better future. Our already excellent relations are rapidly advancing in every field. From cultural exchanges to economic partnerships promoting growth and prosperity, our countries have fostered a relationship that transcends borders. As we celebrate this important milestone in Malta’s journey toward independence, we want to emphasize our positive diplomatic ties and the potential for even greater cooperation in the coming years.”
SHARED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY
Ekinci stressed that both countries share a Mediterranean identity: “This identity requires us to be more tolerant, respectful, and open-minded toward different cultures. This approach also facilitates positive and constructive interactions between people. There are areas of common interest, such as maritime affairs, infrastructure, and construction. We see great opportunities ahead and are determined to make the most of these possibilities. We are fully committed to enhancing this cooperation. Türkiye is already a significant investor in Malta, with investments by Turkish companies amounting to 2 billion USD. Likewise, I can proudly say that, as of last year, our bilateral trade volume has exceeded 1 billion USD.”
DEVELOPMENT IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
In her speech at the reception, Kathleen Vella Mamo emphasized that bilateral relations with Türkiye are built on mutual respect, common interests, and a commitment to promoting stability, prosperity, and dialogue. Mamo mentioned that one of Malta’s major streets had been named “Atatürk Street,” stating, “This is a testament to our strong ties, and we hope these ties will strengthen even further. Also, there has been a significant growth in trade and investment between Malta and Türkiye, and our bilateral trade volume has returned to pre-pandemic levels. The economic synergy between our countries is evident, particularly in sectors such as maritime affairs and infrastructure.”
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