Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg inaugurated the extensive refurbishment of the Embassy of Malta in Washington DC, with increased accessibility and security and new facilities for improved services to the public, including the Maltese diaspora community in the United States of America.
During the inauguration, Minister Borg met Maltese Ambassador to the United States Godfrey Xuereb and the diplomats and staff of the Maltese mission in Washington, as well other distinguished guests, including the United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
“The United States has the third largest Maltese community in the world. Their resilience, hard work and commitment to their heritage serves as a testament to the enduring ties that bind our two nations together. This investment in the quality of our services in Washington highlights our commitment to strengthen ties between the two countries, and to consolidate collaboration across a wide range of fields, from trade and investment to security and cultural exchange,” stated Minister Borg.
Reflecting on more than five decades of relations between Malta and the USA, the Minister reminded that such strong bonds are becoming increasingly more important. “From the earliest days of our Republic to the pivotal role Malta played as an international and regional mediator, as well as our increased participation in the UN Security Council and OSCE in recent months, our destinies have been linked by shared values and common aspirations for freedom, democracy and prosperity. In times of uncertainty and conflict, it is essential that we continue to stand together, united in our pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity for all,” Minister Borg said.
Ambassador Xuereb said that the refurbishment project of the Maltese Embassy and Consulate in Washington included the remodelling of the building, to make all areas accessible for all and increase service efficiency. A new conference room will facilitate bilateral meetings and other diplomatic and community engagements. The project also included an overhaul of the building’s security and ICT systems, as well as energy and water saving technologies, to reduce carbon emissions.
The Maltese Mission to the United States was established in 1967. Besides the Embassy and Consulate in Washington, Malta also has honorary consuls in Alabama, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico and Seattle.