A 100-strong gathering of members of the Maltese community in Libya attended a social evening held at the Embassy of Malta in Tripoli on Tuesday, organised by the Core Group for Maltese Cultural Activities in Libya with the support of the Ambassador of Malta, Joseph Cassar.

In their opening speeches, Ambassador Cassar and Rev. Daniel Farrugia, Vicar General at St Francis Catholic Church in Tripoli, recalled that this is the season to exchange greetings but also, more than ever, to be charitable with our neighbour, particularly with those mostly in need.

Ambassador Cassar also stressed the importance of this celebration as an essential element of Maltese culture which the Core Group for Maltese Cultural Activities in Libya endeavours to promulgate throughout the year through various Maltese activities. He extended best wishes for a Blessed Christmas, a Blessed Eid Al-Adha and a Happy New Year 2007, recalling landmark achievements – private and professional – by members of the Maltese community in Libya.

Dr Cassar also took the opportunity to thank Maltese companies operating in Libya for their general support throughout the year, without whom such cultural activities would not be possible. He recalled the vast number of Maltese companies who support the Embassy’s cultural initiatives, namely the Lejlet l-Imnarja 2006 event held in June at the Embassy and various other activities aiming at promoting Maltese culture in Libya.

ATLAM – a rock band composed of Maltese nationals working in Libya entertained guests during the activity with international and Maltese songs.

Guests during the event included Maltese nationals permanently resident in Libya, members of religious orders, students of Arabic, executives and employees engaged in commercial, petrochemical, banking, tourism and educational sectors in Libya, dual Maltese-Libyan citizens residing in Libya as well as officials and staff of the Embassy of Malta in Tripoli.