Alberto Rubio
Malta’s excellent relations with Spain and its clear commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts were the focus of Ambassador Daniel Azzopardi’s speech, who last Thursday hosted a reception to mark his country’s National Day, which commemorates the 58th anniversary of its independence.
Among other examples, the Maltese Head of Mission welcomed the re-establishment of direct flights between the two capitals, after a ten-year break, which “means a very positive socio-economic impact on both Malta and Spain, a better service for the Maltese living in Madrid and a greater understanding and closeness between the two countries”.
He also expressed his satisfaction at the forthcoming launch of the ‘Maltese Way’, a maritime route that will connect the Mediterranean island with the Way of Saint James and will be integrated into the pilgrimage routes of St. James.
During the reception, held at the Botanical Gardens in Madrid, the ambassador underlined the centuries-old links between Malta and Spain, starting from the moment when Emperor Charles V gave the island to the Knights of Malta in 1530. Azzopardi stressed that, now, “as well as moving in a common multilateral sphere, we are pleased to note that bilateral relations between Malta and Spain continue to grow”.
The ambassador also referred to the companies from both countries that operate in the other, such as the case of the Spanish company ALSA, which manages the bus network on the island, and which, thanks to an agreement with the Maltese government, will make public transport free of charge as of 1 October, as well as integrating 33 electric buses into its fleet.
As for the projection of Maltese companies in Spain, he pointed to the Kore Group, a company specialising in the care of the elderly, which “is currently exploring the possibility of opening relations with Spanish institutions”.
During the reception, the exhibition ‘Malta and Spain: a way of life’ was also inaugurated, during the presentation of which, paraphrasing the President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Layen, the Ambassador said: “I see represented a way of life built around solidarity, tranquillity and security”. Principles that “have been put to the test in the last six months”, he added, referring to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, to which he took the opportunity to send warm greetings.
The reception was attended by representatives of Maltese and Spanish companies, as well as numerous ambassadors from Austria, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus and Qatar, among others.
