Former Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and US Senator Joe Lieberman yesterday met Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at Castille at the end of a two-day visit on their way back to the United States following a visit to Afghanistan.

During their short stay, the senators toured Mdina, where they also stayed overnight, as well as the St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. They also had the opportunity to cruise round the Grand Harbour, stopping briefly at Fort St Angelo.

On arrival at heritage sites, especially in Valletta, Senator McCain often stopped to wave and shake hands with those who managed to get an extra few metres closer.

Accompanied by US Ambassador to Malta Molly Bordonaro, the Senators met Dr Gonzi and other senior government officials at Auberge de Castille,

Dr Gonzi and Senator McCain discussed bilateral relations between Malta and the US, the situation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East and the US relations with the European Union.

Dr Gonzi also spoke about his meetings with outgoing UD President George W. Bush and the government’s plans to restore heritage sites such as Fort St Angelo after Senator McCain mentioned his visit to the fort earlier on.

The Senators left Malta yesterday evening.

Mr McCain, who was defeated by Barack Obama in the US presidential election held on 4 November, is still considered an influential senator and a foreign affairs expert.

Photo DOI - Lorne Cremona