The Honorary Consular Corps held their Annual reception at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar at the end of October.
The President of Malta, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and the Hon Dr. Michael Farrugia, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security were among the many guests present at the reception. Also present were members of the Diplomatic corps and Ambassadors in Malta.
Frpm left: Hon. Dr. Michael Farrugiam H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr. Godwin E. Bencini
The Honorary Consular Corps was established in 1995, and is composed of 60 Members - Honorary Consuls General, Honorary Consuls and Honorary Vice-Consuls accredited to Malta and representing their respective countries form part of this Association. Since its establishment, the Honorary Consular Corps has organized several events and participated in many activities of a social and humanitarian nature. In 2011 Mr. Godwin E. Bencini, Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic, was elected Dean of the Corps.
From left: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Norbert Cilia, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Godwin E. Bencini
During the reception, on behalf of the Council and Honorary Consular Corps, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the Honorary Consular Corps Prize to Mr. Norbert Cilia, a student of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) for obtaining the highest grade in the thesis component of the MA in the Diplomatic Studies course. The Honorary Consular Corps Prize is awarded annually to the top student at the Academy and is viewed as the contribution of the HCC towards the development of professional diplomats.