The country’s most high-ranking officials yesterday exchanged New Year greetings with members of the public and other dignitaries.

President Eddie Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami played host to a number of representatives ranging from government, political parties, parliament, unions, mayors, the judiciary, top civil servants and the general public at the Ambassador’s Room at The Palace in Valletta.

They first received Archbishop Paul Cremona, followed by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who led the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. These were followed by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives.

This group later paid a visit to the archbishop at his palace in Valletta. Speaker Anton Tabone told Mgr Cremona that Parliament and the Church share their commitment to fostering values among the Maltese people. He told the prelate that the presence of the two sides of the house was symptomatic of parliament’s commitment.

Mgr Cremona fully agreed with the Speaker and highlighted young people and the family as two main areas which need to be especially addressed. He called for the protection of young people who may fall prey to people who would exploit them. The archbishop also called for the tackling of problems that lead to family breakdowns.

Both Dr Tabone and Mgr Cremona wished Opposition Leader Alfred Sant a speedy recovery.

Acting Opposition Leader Charles Mangion said that although parliament is made up of people with opposing views who might at times be overly passionate about their opinions, both sides are unanimous in their fight towards preserving traditional values.

Referring to the looming elections, Dr Mangion appealed that campaigns should be focused on issues and ideas on how to improve the life of the Maltese. He also expressed his wish for people to have a free choice when voting without external influences.

Members of the public yesterday also had the opportunity to meet Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Gonzi to wish them well for the New Year.