In his address, Mr Dalli spoke about the excellent relations between the two countries, expressing the hope that they will continue to develop in the light of Malta’s membership of the European Union.

He said that trade and tourism between the two countries could increase, adding that the procedure to obtain a visa must be speeded up to make it easier for Chinese people to visit Malta, in particular students coming to learn English.

In the afternoon, Mr Dalli and Chinese Finance and Commerce Minister Zhang Zhigang presided over a meeting of the Malta-China Joint Commission. Subjects discussed included the better utilisation of the Malta Freeport.

Mr Dalli has also met Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Li Zhaoxing, and addressed a group of businessmen in a seminar promoting investment in Malta.