Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella this morning held discussion with representatives of the National People’s Committee of the People’s Republic of China. The Committee is visiting Malta before proceeding to Brussels for meetings at the European Parliament.

In greeting the Chinese Parliamentary delegation, Minister Vella underlined the excellent nature of relations between the two countries as manifested in the very active pattern of exchanges at the highest level of representation. Minister Vella recalled in particular his latest visit to Beijing in July where among others he held meetings with the Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.  Relations are at an all-time high with contacts having been established on a vast array of sectors ranging from infrastructure, education, the filming industry and tourism. Minister Vella underlined the importance that Malta has traditionally attached to Parliamentary diplomacy and commended the Chinese delegation for having chosen Malta as the one European capital it will be visiting before its discussions in Brussels.

The Vice Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee of the NPC, leading the Chinese delegation Mr. Wang Xiaochu reiterated the intention on the Chinese side to further intensify relations with Malta in all fields. China looks at Malta not only as a trusted partner on a bilateral level but also highly values its role as a member of the European Union. He added that relations between the two countries are vibrant and dynamic and observed that the momentum gained at the political level has also clearly filtered down to concrete cooperation and joint projects.

The two sides discussed various issues of regional and international importance such as the role played by both the European Union and China in securing the Vienna Agreement on the Iranian nuclear dossier and the present scenario concerning migration to Europe.

The delegation also met with Deputy Speaker Censu Galea.