60 years of bilateral relations between the two countries celebrated during Malta Day at the World Expo 2025, in Osaka
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, highlighted the prospects of new, forward-looking collaborations between Malta and Japan, as the two nations celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations.
On Thursday, the two countries marked this historic anniversary during the Malta Day, at Expo 2025, the world expo that Japan is hosting this year in the city of Osaka.
Dr Borg highlighted several important bilateral developments, affirming that the strong partnership between the two countries is filled with promise of new economic, social and multilateral collaborations.
“The theme of the Malta Pavilion of the Expo, ‘Catch the Wave, Catch the Opportunity’ speaks of this spirit of connection and momentum. And just like the waves that travel between our shores, Malta and Japan move forward together – embracing innovation, resilience and peaceful development,” Dr Borg stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the 2024 establishment of the Embassy of Japan in Malta as a critical step that sealed a relationship that has grown in strength and ambition. “It sends a clear message – Malta and Japan are not just friends, but trusted partners, who share values and principles. Having both served as elected members on the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024, this strong partnership also reflects our strong commitment to multilateralism and international law,” he said.
Free trade is the backbone of the two countries’ bilateral relations, as evidenced in the successful export of Maltese bluefin tuna to the Japanese market, demonstrating the mutual trust between the two countries. In this regard, Malta sees potential for collaboration in many other areas, including green energy, innovation, digital technologies, and life sciences, Dr Borg explained.
“Malta’s Vision 2050, which prioritises sustainable innovation and the Blue Economy, reinforces our commitment to fostering eco-conscious trade practices that align with Japan’s vision for a sustainable future,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister referred to this week’s announcement of the new working holiday visa agreement by the two countries, commending its potential for fostering new people-to-people connections. “This is another significant moment and a foundation on which we aim to build.”
Dr Borg also welcomed Malta’s Institute for Tourism Studies ongoing partnership with Japan’s Kobe International University, as the two educational institutions work together to augment the quality of their tourism and hospitality education.
“Let us continue to build on our common values, and our mutual respect. Let us grow together – in commerce, in culture, and in connectivity. Malta is ready. Japan is welcome,” the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
Thursday’s Malta Day event was also addressed by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hisayuki Fujii.
The Maltese delegation also included Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, Malta’s Ambassador to Japan, Andre Spiteri and other key officials from several national entities. The Malta Day event ended with a musical performance by Joseph Calleja, Mari Moriya, Destiny Chukunyere and Tomoko Nakayama.
Photo: MFT
