Malta-China relations in excellent health – Chinese President Hu Jintao

A statement issued by the government, the positive development of political and economic relations between China and Malta during the past years was highlighted this week by President Hu Jintao.

The statements were delivered when Jintao was granting audience to Ambassador Joseph Cassar on the occasion of the latter’s presentation of credentials as Malta’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday on 15 February, 2011.

During the discussion, President Hu was pleased to note that the longstanding relationship between Malta and China was in excellent health, and made reference to the fact that bilateral trade between Malta and China had seen a significant increase, particularly during 2010. 

President Hu Jintao remarked that on a variety of levels, ranging from government-to-government ties to people-to-people contacts, relations between the two countries continued to develop at a fast pace.

The President positively underlined the steady partnership between Malta and China across a wide-range of bilateral and international issues. China and Malta are close friends and their good partnership augured well for the opening up of new areas of co-operation, said President Hu Jintao.

Ambassador Cassar transmitted the greetings of President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.

He conveyed the appreciation of the President of Malta for the personal concern demonstrated by President Hu following the Maltese President’s accidental injury in Shanghai in 2010.

Ambassador Cassar said that he would work earnestly to enhance Maltese-Chinese bilateral relations building on the positive contribution of his predecessors.

He recalled that 2012 will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and the People’s Republic of China and that further High-level visits to both countries during 2011 were being discussed.

President Hu Jintao requested Ambassador Cassar to convey his greetings to the President of Malta and the Prime Minister. 

H.E. Ms Fu Ying, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Europe and Directors from the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s European Department attended the colloquy.

Ambassador Cassar was accompanied by Counsellor Charles Sultana and Second Secretary Albert Grech.