Honourable Prime Minister,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to congratulate you, Mr Ambassador, for presenting this video that speaks a thousand words. 

Indeed, Aldo Moro should be remembered and respected for what he stood for.  Aldo Moro was a statesman with high personal integrity.  He was genuine in his words and actions.  Perhaps, it was precisely his integrity and sincerity that betrayed him and eventually played in the hands of his kidnappers, brutally killing him on 9 May 1978 after a fifty-four day imprisonment.

I need not underline the close ties that Aldo Moro had with Malta over the years.  Aldo Moro was the first foreign Prime Minister to welcome Malta’s proclamation of Independence in 1964.  He firmly believed that Malta and Italy, as true neighbours, as Mediterranean countries and as Europeans, could not but forge a closely-knit relationship. 

This relationship developed and became deeply rooted over the years.  This is demonstrated today in several ways.  You will agree that the close relationship that both countries cherish have also resulted in a marked spill over at the popular level.  This is not to say that our relationship has been smooth, at all times.  However, in a true European spirit and as part of the same family, we have managed to overcome our differences and work together towards our common interest.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, Malta and Italy form part of the same European family of nations that profess the values of democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law.  Malta’s European credentials are reflected in the various strata of the Maltese society and have been so, for the best part of our existence.

However, Malta’s geographical location should not be underestimated but should be highlighted at all times.  We are fortunate to live in an area which has witnessed the birth of the most ancient human civilizations.  We are proud of our rich cultural and historical heritage.  The Maltese and Italians alike share these precious assets.

Our geo-strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean continues to be relevant even today.  The sea itself remains our major trading route.  This enviable position provides challenges and opportunities.  Most of the hard and soft issues pertaining to our region remain unresolved.  And on occasions, they seem to have become even more complicated. 

Unfortunately, the Mediterranean is currently witnessing, amongst other things, the trafficking of people from the northern shores of Africa to the southern shores of Europe.  This act of criminality that is taking away so many lives has to stop.  Malta and Italy has an important and influential role to play in bringing this exodus to an end.  My sincere appeal goes to all countries in the region, on the southern and northern shores of the Mediterranean, to all multilateral institutions operating in the area, to rally around and find a satisfactory solution in the interests of all parties concerned and, above all, in the interests of human dignity.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I need not stress the respect that Malta and Italy have for one another.  This is amply demonstrated in tangible forms of cooperation that encapsulates our bond of solidarity.  I cannot but concur with what Ambassador Trabalza has just pointed out concerning Italian assistance to Malta.  Namely, the five successive Financial Protocols that covered practically all sectors including education, infrastructural projects, national heritage and the environment. 

The excellent bilateral relations between Malta and Italy have truly transcended through all levels, be they political either at national level, at regional level or at international level.  Be they, economic or cultural, that have developed notably throughout the years for the mutual benefits of our peoples.  But what is most important is that our respective people have developed a sense of natural affinity and solidarity.

With this special relationship between our two peoples in mind, I kindly request Your Excellency to convey my personal greetings and those of the Maltese nation to President Napolitano and the Italian people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I now ask you to raise your glasses and augur that the relations between Malta and Italy will continue to advance in the interests of our two peoples and those of our region.