Finance Minister Edward Scicluna has addressed the inaugural meeting of the inaugural meeting of Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

“We can say with confidence that this inaugural meeting is indeed a historic occasion. About two years ago President Xi Jinping announced the AIIB initiative during his visit to Southeast Asian countries. Last June I was proud to join the other 56 representatives of the Prospective Founding Members gathered here in Beijing for the Signing Ceremony of the Bank's Articles of Agreement at the Great Hall of the People.

“I wish to congratulate Mr Jin Liqun, for the time he was Secretary General of the Multilateral Interim Secretariat and now as the elected President of the Bank for having shown us the participatory process, that enabled the founding members to develop the AIIBs core philosophy, principles, policies, value system and operating platform. The lean, clean and green expression has entered our psyche and is expected to become the hallmark for this bank. Judging from the admirable record to date we have every reason to believe that it will remain so for the future.

“As a European I am happy to note that the European Investment Bank is in close contact with Chinese authorities and investors wishing to get involved in the Juncker plan. Similarly, contact has been established by the EBRD with the representatives of the AIIB), for close cooperation in future investment ventures.

The minister reaffirmed Malta’s strong support to the AIIB. “I am confident,” he said, “that in spite of the uncertainties which still prevail in the current economic climate and the various challenges which the external environment is presenting, the determination, skill and dedication of the President and his professional staff will be instrumental in steering the AIIB to attain its objectives during the coming years.