The progressive disappearance of the Maltese language among Maltese communities abroad was a key issue raised in the fourth Convention for Maltese Living abroad organised by the Maltese government this week.

The convention was concluded this afternoon by Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella, who said that it appeared contradictory that many lamented Maltese overseas communities' loss of the Maltese language while the convention was mostly held in the English language.

However, he added that this was necessary to ensure that younger participants - particularly second and third generation members of the Maltese diaspora - would not feel left out.

In his address, Dr Vella welcomed the fact that second and third generation Maltese were still interested in retaining their Maltese identity, if not necessarily the language: "although I am sure that they understand the bad words," he quipped.

The minister raised a number of points in his address, stating that Malta was underusing the capabilities and services of diaspora Maltese who had made a name for themselves in various fields, and said that the ministry was compiling a list of such people for future use.

At one point, Dr Vella also drew comparisons between the African migrants risking their lives to reach Europe and the experience of Maltese emigrants decades ago.

While the experience of the Maltese may not have been as dramatic, he observed, they also were forced to leave their country and find a new home in a bid to improve their quality of life.

The minister welcomed the feedback provided by the overseas Maltese, including the criticism, stating that this proved that they had an interest in maintaining links with their country of origin.

He said that the ministry would strive to address the issues raised, although he remarked that its overstretched diplomats already had a lot to deal with, in light of the situation faced by the Mediterranean region.

Previous conventions had been organised in 1969, 2000 and 2010, and the next should be held in five years' time. Over 100 diaspora Maltese residing in various countries - including, but not limited to, traditional destinations for Maltese emigrants such as Australia, Canada and the UK - came to Malta to participate.