Martin Micallef was awarded the Cavaliere-Stella della Solidarietà Italiana by the President of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. The diploma and relative ensigns were presented by the Ambassador of Italy Paolo Andrea Trabalza at the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of Malta in Valletta during the celebration of Italy’s Republic Day. “Which better surroundings other than the symbol of the European multi-cultural spirit of the Order of St. John?” commented Dr Trabalza. The Ambassador thanked Mr Micallef for his commitment dedicated to the promotion of the Italian language and culture and for his support for the development of cultural, economic and commercial ties and exchanges between Malta and Italy. Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech also commented on Mr Micallef’s role in the bilateral cultural sphere adding that his long term vision encompasses however the wider spectrum of Mediterranean cultures. Mr Micallef expressed his gratitude to Dr Trabalza and the President Napolitano for their

generosity.