President Edward Fenech Adami inaugurated an exhibition on Portuguese cartography and historical links between Portugal and Malta. In his address, Dr Fenech Adami emphasised the importance of highlighting the historical links between the two countries. He also referred to the priority objectives of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union, namely the reform of the Treaties, preparations for the new cycle of the Lisbon Strategy, the enforcement of a global approach on migrations whilst improving the protection of the Union’s external borders, and the focus on the Mediterranean and Africa.
The Ambassador of Portugal to Malta, Antonio Augusto Russo Dias, said that this exhibition is the first of a number of events, cultural and otherwise, which will mark Portugal’s Presidency of the EU. He stated that Portugal would do its utmost to see that the objectives set for the presidency would be reached by the end of its term. Ambassador Russo Dias also referred to the maps being exhibited, which spanned three centuries of discoveries by Portuguese navigators. He said that these maps were a symbol of Portugal’s openness to the world, and reiterated his government’s wish that Portugal’s presidency would likewise be marked by the same spirit of openness to others.
Ambassador Russo Dias also referred to the exhibits that reflect the historical links between Portugal and Malta, including books, documents and prints which are mainly linked to the reign of the Portuguese Grand Masters in Malta. These exhibits were kindly loaned by Dr Albert Ganado, a renowned expert on Maltese cartography and Melitensia in general, from his personal collection. Ambassador Russo Dias thanked Dr Ganado for his generosity, and also expressed his appreciation to Mr Antonio Espinosa Rodrigues for his professional advice.
Finally Ambassador Russo Dias thanked Middlesea Group Executive Chairman Mario C. Grech for hosting the exhibition at the Group’s head office building, Middlesea House, formerly known as Montgomery House. Situated on the granaries in Floriana, this building also boasts a link with Portugal, having been erected during the reign of Portuguese Grandmaster Antonio Manoel de Vilhena.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and the opening hours are until 31 July Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 1pm.