Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Last Thursday, the Embassy of Malta celebrated Malta’s National Day with a reception hosted by Ambassador Emmanuel Mallia, who stated that “Malta deeply appreciates the constructive process and the friendship we share with all nations.”
The Maltese ambassador began his speech by noting that “on December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic and reaffirmed its commitment to openness, multilateralism, and respect for fundamental freedoms. Malta deeply appreciates the constructive process and the friendship we share with all nations, both bilaterally and through our collaboration in international forums.”
Regarding relations with Spain, the ambassador noted that the two countries “share the same Mediterranean horizon and a tradition of long-term cooperation shaped by geography, culture, and strategic interests. This environment, both historically and today, serves as a boundary between our peoples and a platform for joint action. Across multiple borders, Malta and Spain, and many of your countries, work together in a spirit of trust, responsibility, and purpose.”
The ambassador then emphasized that “within the European Union, Malta remains committed to working with political parties to safeguard our shared values, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure a fair and cohesive Europe. In the Mediterranean region, we cooperate on the challenges and opportunities that define our neighbors: climate resilience, maritime security, sustainable energy, and migration management. These are global issues that require concrete responsibility, coordinated policies, and mutual understanding. Through multilateral institutions, Malta continues to champion dialogue, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the strengthening of international law, priorities that resonate deeply with the diplomatic community gathered here.”
“As Malta’s ambassador to Spain,” Emmanuel Mallia emphasized, “I am sincerely grateful for the collaboration we have received from the Spanish authorities and each of their missions. Their agreements reflect a shared commitment to stability, cooperation, and the desire for a more peaceful and prosperous world. In a year marked by technological transformation, climate pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty, our ability to respond effectively depends on cooperation, the alliances we build, the values we protect, and the trust we cultivate. These will guide us. Through diplomacy, we have strived to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.”
“In the fight against corruption,” the Maltese ambassador said, “we have been steadfast in our international contributions and remain firm in our belief that multilateralism must be preserved and strengthened. We have supported the cause of peace in the Mediterranean and in Ukraine. Our foreign policy is clear. We will continue to defend the rules-based international order, supporting partnership over conflict and doing our part to promote human rights and democracy around the world. In this endeavor, we are guided by our fundamental military neutrality, our belief in peace, and our respect for international law.”
