The Maltese Diplomatic Corps has welcomed nine new second secretaries and 19 counsellors, a government statement read.

"A career in diplomacy is a career which should be considered by our youth as it provides opportunities  both in Malta and abroad with the possibility of leading to the level of Ambassador for Malta," Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela said when together with the Permanent Secretary Fiona Formosa, he met with the nine new second secretaries who have recently joined the Ministry following a recruitment process.

The role of second secretary is considered as the entry-point into Malta's diplomatic corps.

Minister Abela also met with nineteen diplomats who have been promoted to counsellors. The counsellors have served for a long period in diplomacy both in Malta and abroad as first secretaries and underwent oral and written examinations.

Minister Abela appealled to the new second secretaries and counsellors  to share their positive experiences at the Ministry with other youth and to encourage them to move into a diplomatic career.

Minister Abela remarked  that the human resource is the main foundation of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion. He said that through the strengthening of human resources, the ministry is amalgamating established and experienced talent in diplomacy to serve as a guidance and mentor to new talent of enthusiastic young people committed to  learn and grow.  Minister Abela remarked that a career in diplomacy now provides better working conditions a new a collective agreement was signed after 25 years.

"You have responsibility to represent your country and are being  provided with opportunities. The diplomatic work carried out at the Head Office in  Malta is as important as the diplomatic work conducted around the 37 Maltese missions around the world", stressed Minister Abela. He urged Maltese diplomats to use such an opportunity to enhance their contact with the Maltese diaspora around the world, especially the younger generation who have potential to contribute towards the country.