This morning, the President of Malta, George Vella, was received by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, David Hurley, at Admiralty House in Sydney.
Exchanges focused on the excellent nature of bilateral relations between Malta and Australia. President Vella also expressed Malta’s support for fostering closer ties between the European Union and Australia. Cooperation in the Commonwealth on issues such as climate change and small island states was also discussed.
Reference was also made to the global situation, mainly the impact and repercussions of the war in Ukraine and the latest developments in the Middle East, with both interlocutors stating that they are following these events very closely.
Governor-General Hurley commended the Maltese communities in different Australian states and their contribution to the growth of the country. President Vella and Governor-General Hurley agreed that relations between Malta and Australia go beyond migration, adding that they share values and principles.
President Vella was accompanied by Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for Public Works and Planning, along with his delegation.
President Vella’s visit to Australia primarily aims at meeting with the Maltese communities in various Australian states. On Thursday morning, he visited the George Cross Falcons Club in Sydney, where he was warmly welcomed by the Maltese community. President Vella also paid tribute to Maltese servicemen who served with Australian forces and lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
Afterwards, the President visited the Maltese Community Council of New South Wales (MCC). Established in 1967, the MCC promotes the Maltese identity by providing social, cultural, recreational, and welfare support to the Maltese community in New South Wales.
