"I have learned of your election as President of the Republic of Malta and I am sending you my warmest congratulations.

Although I will miss your active contribution to our discussions in the European Council, I understand that after so many years at the centre of political life in Malta, you were looking for an orderly succession and you wanted to start a new phase in your life in the service of your people.

I am sure that the Maltese people will always remember your commitment to the modernisation of the Maltese economy and society and its integration into the European Union and the way you have successfully conducted the accession negotiations.

I wish you all the best in the prestigious and weighty duties that await you.

I take this opportunity to ask you to convey my gratitude to Professor Guido de Marco for his contribution to the first phase of Malta's application to the EU and for the admirable way he performed his du