Malta took part in celebrating Tripoli as the capital of Islamic Culture, with children of Maltese origin participating in a cultural festival dressed in traditional Maltese costume. Various activities are being held by the Libyan authorities, particularly the Secretariat of the General People’s Committee for Culture and Information, to promote understanding of Islam and its cultural aspects with a view to enhance world peace.

Among various activities, a Children’s Celebration was held last Saturday at the Green Square in Tripoli, with the participation of Libyan children and various other children representing foreign communities residing in Libya, namely Greek, Indian, Maltese, Pakistani, Russian, Tuareg, Tunisian, Zambian and many others, dressed in their brightly-coloured traditional costumes and waving their country’s flag.

Malta was represented by six-year-old Khadija Galea El-Atewish, and nine-year-old Mikael Omar Tarhouni, children of Maltese-Libyan parents residing in Libya, who were joined by their Libyan friends, six-year-old Khadija Miftah, and 12-year-old Abdulrahman Sweyyah. The four youngsters were dressed in the traditional Zepp u Grezz costumes, sewn by Mrs Samia Galea El-Atewish, with the assistance of the Embassy of Malta in Tripoli, and carried a Maltese flag during the parade. In a gesture promoting and supporting world peace, children participating in the parade released white doves over Tripoli harbour.

The event was attended by Maria Calleja, Chargè d’Affairs ad interim and first secretary at the Embassy of Malta in Tripoli, and several family members of the children who represented Malta.