A new website providing information about an EU-funded programme called Voyages and Voir was launched in Siracusa last weekend.

The programme forms part of the Interreg IIIA Italia-Malta programme under the measure to reinforce the cultural identity of the two neighbouring islands.

Heritage Malta and Valletta Rehabilitation Project are the local partners, while the Association Jean Houel and the city of Palazzolo Acreide, with the backing of the Province of Siracusa, are their Sicilian counterparts.

During 2006 an international seminar was held in Palazzolo Acreide where a number of Maltese and Italian experts presented papers on the subject. Also, towards the end of the year, two exhibitions were inaugurated at Siracusa and Palazzolo Acreide.

During the launching of the website, president of the province of Siracusa, Bruno Marziano spoke about the close links between Malta and Siracusa and how attempts were made to improve these links

Dr Ray Bondin, on behalf of the Maltese partners, spoke about attempts that have been made over the past months to increase cultural links between the two islands and about the activities that will be held under this programme in Malta during the year.

Palazzolo mayor Acreide Domenico Nigro spoke about the success of the two exhibitions and of the intention to continue establishing further links, even after the end of this EU funded programme.

He added that his commune will continue maintaining the website even after EU funds are no longer being allocated. The new website is: wgrandtoursiciliamalta.net