Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with his wife Dr Lydia Abela, met with members of the Maltese and Gozitan community in New York during a visit to the Maltese Centre in Astoria, as part of their engagements in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
The Prime Minister and his wife had the opportunity to speak with Maltese and Gozitans who have been living in the United States for many years, as well as with younger generations of Maltese families who have continued to maintain a strong connection to Malta.
In a message to the community, Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his appreciation for the way in which, despite the distance, the community has continued to keep Maltese identity, culture and traditions alive. He particularly thanked all those who voluntarily contribute to the work of the centre and other initiatives that continue to bring together the Maltese and Gozitan community in New York.
The volunteer-run Maltese Centre in Astoria was established in 1979 to provide a space for the Maltese community to meet and keep alive the Maltese language, culture and traditions. Over the years it has hosted various cultural and social activities, including Maltese language lessons.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the Maltese language continuing to be passed down from generation to generation, particularly among Maltese children and young people who were born and raised outside Malta. In fact, Dr Abela said that the Maltese and Gozitans who established their lives outside our country remain an important part of Malta’s history and identity, while noting that their contribution to the countries where they lived and worked is also a testament to the values and work of the Maltese people.
“The fact that, thousands of kilometres away from Malta, you continue to keep our traditions alive and above all the sense of community is something that makes us proud,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also remarked on the importance of the direct flight between Malta and New York, which is continuing to strengthen connectivity between the two countries. Dr Abela said that the Government is working to secure a long-term agreement for this route, with the aim of continuing to improve connectivity, strengthening ties with the Maltese community in the United States and creating more opportunities for Malta to attract quality tourism.
He concluded by encouraging the community to continue to strengthen its connection with Malta and pass on this sense of belonging to future generations.
Photos: OPM
