The Embassy of the Czech Republic together with the Valletta local council yesterday commemorated the 40th anniversary of Maltese-Czech relations at the Lower Barakka Gardens, Valletta.

Besides commemorating diplomatic relations between the two countries, this was also an occasion to mark the 1968 “Prague Spring”.

Czech Republic Ambassador Vladimir Zavazal presented Jan Masaryk commemorative medals of the Czech Foreign Affairs Ministry to former Maltese Foreign Affairs Ministers and Maltese Ambassadors accredited to the Czech Republic. These included Prof. Guido de Marco, Dr Alex Sciberras Trigona, Dr Joe Borg, Mr Maurice Lubrano, Mr Frederic Amato Gauci, Dr Joe Cassar, Mr Charles J. Aquilina, Dr George Hyzler, and Mr William Spiteri.

The ambassador spoke of the cooperation between Malta and Czech Republic and developments along the years. “The two countries share common interests of working towards a stronger Europe; relations which will be strengthened during the first half of 2009 when the Czech Republic will hold Presidency of the Council of the European Union,” he said.

“Today we are celebrating a journey with the contribution of many towards success,” said Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli during his first official event. He was appointed mayor on Wednesday after former mayor Paul Borg Olivier relinquished his seat after being appointed Nationalist Party General Secretary.

Dr Dingli also spoke of the times of personal change and development he experienced at the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and his wish to promote Valletta’s culture and heritage by means of such gardens. In the weeks to come, the Valletta local council will be starting a consultation process towards the regeneration of Valletta, Dr Dingli said.