Minister  for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo told Maltese and Gozitans living in New York that Malta is better than half of the countries of the European Union and better than 160 other countries in a world of 193 countries, when he visited the Maltese community in the Center of Astoria.

Minister Bartolo said all Maltese and Gozitans  should be proud to have built our country to be in 28th place among the best in the world in the areas of health, education and standard of living.

All Maltese have worked to make Malta better. "Not Labour or Nationalists, everyone has worked hard to make Malta better," emphasised Minister Bartolo.

Minister Bartolo said that with their wisdom and sacrifice the Maltese and Gozitans who emigrated to New York built this center 40 years ago and continued to run it for the well being of all Maltese and Gozitans.

‘We have a strong and honest Maltese and Gozitan community, some of whom have emigrated  50 years ago because there was no work for them in Malta.’

The first Maltese known to emigrate to New York was in 1829,  noted Minister Bartolo.