I recall well the exhibition Three Centuries of Russo-Maltese Connections 1698-1998 held at the Palace, Valletta in 1998.  Original manuscripts and documents from the archives of Malta and Russia, objets d'art and books went on display.  They related the invisible historical threads which built up over the years to the solid basis of our friendly relations with Russia.

One item on display was a magnificent portrait of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent as a gift to Grand Master de Rohan by the Empress in 1789. But not even her imagination could envisage that her son Tsar Paul I, would assume the title of Grand Master of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and send Russian garrisons and fleet to protect Malta during the critical period 1798-1800.

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The 19^th century brought with it new developments in Russo-Maltese connections through financial and trade cooperation and through family links between Russian and British royals. The only daughter of Tsar Alexander II married the second son of Queen Victoria and the couple spent several happy years in Malta together with their children, one of whom Victoria Melita, was born in Malta. Indeed her grand daughter, a  member of the Romanov dynasty, Her Highness Maria Vladimirovna was present at the reception given recently by H.E. the Russian ambassador Vladimir Malygin and Mrs Malygina to celebrate the National Day of Russia. Her Highness was born in Madrid and speaks several languages including  a beautiful English (she read Russian literature at Oxford).

But going back to Maltese-Russian relations, after the great naval battle of Navarino in 1827, the Russian fleet was completely refitted and replenished in Malta providing much needed work and revenue for the island. Shipchandlers did very well, too. In return the Maltese offered a free hospital in Ricasoli.

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After the Revolution of 1917 Russian refugees were fleeing their country and a number landed in Malta. Many distinguished members of the Russian nobility and various personalities found refuge on our island.

We all know about Princess Nathalie Poutiatine who came to Malta with her family when she was eleven-years-old. They soon left for Paris where she studied ballet but returned to Malta in 1928 where she set up the first Academy of Russian ballet. (I remember her walking with her husband Edgar Tabone past our house in Sliema. They must have lived nearby.)

Then there are the Tagliaferros. Francesco, Biagio and Stefano who came to Malta from Genoa. I believe they were Jews from Odessa with some Russian ancestry. Successful traders they had  bases throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Biagio Tagliaferro was a master mariner, ship owner and banker. (Some of you might remember Tagliaferro Bank). He specialized in the Russian Black Sea grain trade.  His descendents are alive and well and living in Malta. One of them told me that Biagio was a great philanthropist and is buried in a church in Valletta.

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And so, I joined the celebration, in Malta, of the National Day of Russia last week. It was a colourful spectacle - a few ladies wearing hats, and  Orthodox Russian priests providing an unusual and rare sight with their beards and cassocks.

H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Malygin and Mrs Tatiana Malygina greeted guests among whom was the Acting President Mrs Dolores Cristina, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mrs Melanie Abela and Minister Konrad Mizzi and other members of Parliament. There were naturally many Russian nationals who are living in Malta at present. It occurred to me that  I have as yet to see a short Russian.

In his speech His Excellency said that the Day of Russia was being celebrated for the 27^th time; that since 1991 Russia is building a democratic Republic with a free market economy. "Despite current economic instability and sanctions, Russia has achieved considerable results and strengthened its international competitiveness." His country, he said,  pursues an independent and multi-directional policy based on the principles of international law. "We never interfere into domestic affairs of other states and are open for partnership and cooperation with all those who are prepared to work with us on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

It was inevitable that in these beleaguered times, for H.E. to mention terrorism, the major challenge facing mankind. "We call on all countries to join our efforts to combat this evil", the ambassador said.

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He then reminded guests that next month we shall celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia (Soviet Union) and Malta. In fact at the entrance there was a photo exhibition to remind us of events which took place over the years which strengthened this relationship. He said it was symbolic that a member of the Romanov dynasty Her Highness Maria Vladimirovna was present at the reception.

His Excellency then spoke of the working visits between our two countries (our Prime Minster visited Russia twice last year). Then there were the different activities of the Embassy and the very active Russian Centre for Science and Culture as well as the Coordinating Committee of the Russian Compatriots Assembly in Malta. Russian artists, including pianists,  had  performed in Malta with great success.

His Excellency reminded us that on 21^ST July there will be a premier show of the Crystal Palace at MCC. The ballet will feature the soloists of the Bolshoi and Mikhailovsky theatres as well as local artists. The music of the local composer Alexey Shor has been specially selected for this performance to celebrate the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

He said that the Russian community consists of about 5000 people and that  the Coordinating Committee of the Russian Compatriots Assembly in Malta is playing an important role. He took the opportunity to thank the President, the Minister of Culture and the Office of the Prime Minister for their help in solving problems which sometimes face the Russian community.

Mrs Cristina then said a few words and toasts were proposed.

This was a most civilized event;  not crowded and thankfully no loud music so we could have decent exchanges with friends and acquaintances without straining our voices.

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