I had accepted Her Excellency's invitation to the National Day of Australia's reception and was looking forward to it. However, the morning of the reception I was reminded that it was my grandson's birthday as his mother called to make sure that I had not forgotten we were celebrating it that very evening. So going to the reception was an impossibility after all. I dropped a note of apology to the High Commissioner.
Although I did not go to the reception here are some photos and information about the evening, by way of apology.
I met the High Commissioner soon after she arrived in Malta over lunch. She came across as competent, caring and 'open,' such an attractive Australian quality so lacking in the Maltese. I liked her instantly and she has other qualities I like very much.
Her hands are very full as she is also ambassador to Tunisia.
This was the second Australia Day reception Ms Julienne Hince has hosted. Last year the 26th January fell just weeks after she took up her position in Malta.
In her speech she said that Malta is certainly the European country with the highest recognition factor and personal knowledge of her homeland. "On this day we celebrate all things Australian. Ours is a culturally and ethnically diverse nation which we consider one of the most harmonious societies on the planet." She said that in Australia, this day is an occasion for national pride, for celebration. "We are a vibrant democracy with liberty to debate such issues. I personally hope for full reconciliation with our indigenous peoples during my lifetime."
She referred to the Foreign Policy White Paper prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade last year, that provides a value-based blueprint that looks on how best to support the international rules-based order, and how to shore up peace and prosperity for Australia. She explained that a priority identified in the White Paper is for the government to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union. Australia, HE explained, already collaborates with the European Union in many ways, under the auspices of a Framework Agreement. In her words: "Together we do valuable work on disarmament, in science, health, the environment and climate change."
Ms Hince pointed out that the EU, as a bloc, is a most important partner for Australia, with two-way trade in goods and services worth some $99.5 billion. The EU is also Australia's largest source of foreign investment.
An Australian-EU-FTA, she told guests, will create new opportunities for Maltese and Australian businesses, driving exports.
She said that Australia and Malta share many values. Australia works together with her Maltese friends and colleagues in international fora such as the UN and the Commonwealth, to promote a better and safer world. She went on to thank the Maltese government for its high levels of cooperation and support. "You have supported us, for example, in taking a place on the Human Rights Council and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. She then referred to the Commonwealth Games and acknowledged the role that our President was playing in promoting bilateral relations "and in her tireless advocacy for social justice issues at home and abroad."
Her Excellency thanked her staff for their support and making it all possible. She also thanked a number of local sponsors for their generous contribution to the occasion.
Our President was present with Mr Preca as was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ministers Carmelo Abela and José Herrera, Members of Parliament and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, in her speech said that Australia holds a special place in the heart of the people of these islands as many have relatives who had made a home for themselves there. She also commented on her visit to Australia two years ago and said how impressed she was by the successful communities of those of Maltese descent, whom she met. She commented positively, about the multiculturalism of Australia and highlighted the healthy trade links between the two countries and "hoped they would flourish and grow even further." She also spoke about tourism between Australia and Malta and cultural cooperation. She further hoped that both countries would keep building on what has been achieved so far, for the common good and shared prosperity of the two nations and their peoples.
That evening guests could admire an Indigenous art exhibition, The Yiwarra Kuju.
Five Maltese were especially honoured by the Australian government for demonstrating excellence in their field and making a significant contribution to the Australian community. Those awarded are pictured here.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
In a letter (which was highlighted) in the Sunday Times of Malta on 11th February, Mgr Charles Vella wrote asking 'Why not mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in Malta?'. There were some uncalled for comments by readers and after a mere eleven comments it was announced that the comments board was closed.
In fact Holocaust Remembrance Day was celebrated this year and I wrote about it in my Diary last Sunday.
I had emailed Mrs Hader Halevy, who has recently left Malta with her husband, Ambassador De Vito, about some information I needed regarding the event organized at San Anton Palace by the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. Mrs Halevy who is from Israel, wrote: "I am so grateful that Holocaust Memorial Day continues to vibrate in Malta. Two years ago in Malta we tried to make this day meaningful by bringing to Malta Italian students from the Italian-Jewish high school of Roma alongside with official representatives from Yad Vashem and the Italian Holocaust Memorial and last year Sami Modiano, an Italian survivor of Auschvitz came to Malta." So, yes please note that Holocaust Remembrance Day has been marked in Malta for at least the last three years. Privately it has been celebrated for many years. It will no doubt continue to be commemorated thanks to The President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.
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