The murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia “brought a dark cloud over Malta” and marred a period where Malta was registering economic success and social changes, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca told members of the diplomatic corps today.

The President said however that the “horrendous” murder, which “caused great distress, to all people of goodwill”, does not reflect the Maltese true spirit.

“I am convinced that, during this new year, Malta will continue to set new goals for the benefit of our people, particularly by strengthening essential processes of democratic participation. I also look forward to an intensive process of constitutional reform, where constitutional institutions are further empowered and reformed. I believe that this coming year will also see Malta continuing to strengthen collaboration with our international neighbours and friends,” Coleiro Preca said.

“In this way, we shall keep contributing to the vitality of our societies and the prosperity of communities in all of our countries.  One way in which this can be achieved is through processes of cultural diplomacy. I am pleased to note that Valletta’s term, as European Capital of Culture in 2018, will be an excellent opportunity for such examples of cultural diplomacy.”

Coleiro Preca said Malta remains firmly resolved to keep working for peace, across the Mediterranean region and beyond.

“We will definitely continue to be a strong voice for respect and connection, to contribute towards the resolution of conflicts, and to ensure that potential divisions are not allowed to escalate.

On a European level, it is equally clear that Malta will keep providing leadership and collaborative action. Let me commend all those countries, represented here today, who are also doing their utmost to build sustainable peace and to create a world which we will be proud to pass on, to our future generations.”

 The President spoke about ongoing conflicts, particularly the one in Syria, which has killed over 465,000 people and forced some 5.4 million people, most of them women and children, to flee their homes.

“I would like to encourage you, in your important role as diplomats, to continue working together, to achieve peaceful solutions to present conflicts, while always respecting the dignity of all the affected communities. It has always been and I am confident that it shall always be, the mission of my country in the Mediterranean, to be a voice for peace and friendship,” the President said.