Maltese craftsmanship was hailed as a cornerstone of the nation's identity during the official opening of the Maltese Artisan Exhibition at the Parliament Foyer this week.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Anġlu Farrugia, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the deep cultural significance of traditional crafts, saying, "Maltese craftsmanship is a pillar of our identity. Once we forget it, we begin to lose a part of ourselves."

In his speech, Farrugia highlighted that artisanal work represents much more than manual skill-it embodies identity, deep roots, and knowledge passed down through generations. He noted that Parliament is proudly embracing this heritage with dignity, showcasing the artistic work that has helped build and sustain Malta's national consciousness for centuries.

Farrugia also expressed gratitude to the Malta Crafts Foundation for its role in promoting and preserving traditional crafts. He commended the artisans who continue to pass on their knowledge to future generations.

Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, also addressed the event, noting that this year's exhibition is especially meaningful as it is being held at the country's highest institution-the Parliament.

"As a government, we remain committed to supporting this sector," Minister Schembri said. "In line with our Vision Malta 2050, we must look beyond the economic value of sectors. Craftsmanship holds vital value as part of our national heritage and identity."

Elton Micallef, CEO of the Malta Crafts Foundation, added that the exhibition goes beyond celebrating physical products. "This event honours values such as authenticity, creativity, dedication, and a sense of community," he said, encouraging the public to continue appreciating and strengthening traditional crafts as an essential part of Malta's future.