The High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia, Matthew Skelly, presented his Letters of Credence to President George Vella at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.
President Vella described relations as traditionally exemplary despite the distances, adding that contacts have been further consolidated through the contribution given to Australia by the Maltese community there. Cooperation has not been limited to the bilateral level along the years, thanks to a sound pattern of collaboration that developed on the multilateral level through the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Furthermore, Malta supports closer relations between Australia and the European Union especially in promoting shared values world-wide.
President Vella referred to his upcoming visit to Australia between 13th and 22nd October where, among others, he will be meeting with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Leader of the Opposition and State Governors. The President will also be meeting with the Maltese communities in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and Sydney.
High Commissioner Skelly underlined the satisfaction of the Australian authorities to receive President Vella in the coming weeks. He added that relations with Malta have been excellent on all fronts. He identified connections through the Maltese community and support to a multilateral system that defends a rules-based order as two principal factors that continue to shape these relations. The High Commissioner gave an overview of Australia’s relations with neighbouring countries, its vision for the Asia-Pacific region and its commitment to addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
Photo (OPR)
