Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella is on an official two-day visit in San Marino. The Minister arrived in San Marino this morning.

This afternoon, Minister Vella delivered a speech at a seminar discussing “L’Integrazzione nel Single Market dei Paesi Terzi Europei: Il particolare caso dell’associazione alla UE degli stati di ridotte dimensioni” (The Integration in the Internal Market and the Challenges to be faced by the Small States of Europe).

Later on, during a ceremony held at the Palazzo Pubblico, the official government building, the Minister for Foreign Affairs was also invested with the Onorificenza di Cavalliere di Gran Croce dell’Ordine Equestre di Sant’Agata. This honour is bestowed by the Government of San Marino to foreign dignitaries whose work and achievements enjoy particular appreciation.

The primary messages delivered by Minister Vella during the various official interventions were that of enhanced bilateral engagement with San Marino, as well as support to the ongoing negotiations on an association agreement between the country and the European Union.

Tomorrow, Minister Vella will deliver a keynote address during the investiture ceremony of the incoming Capitani Regenti of San Marino (Captains Regent) to which Minister Vella has been invited as the guest of honour. The Captains Regent are the two heads of state of San Marino elected by the Grand and General Council, the country’s parliament, every six months. The ceremony of investiture traces its origins back to the thirteenth century.

Minister Vella will then hold official bilateral talks with Nicola Renzi, during which topics of common interest for both countries will be discussed.