Charles Stafrace appointed ambassador to Greece

The new Maltese ambassador to Greece, Charles Stafrace, presented his credentials to Karolos Papoulias, President of the Hellenic Republic, on Tuesday 15 October 2013 during a ceremony that took place at the Presidential Palace in central Athens.

President Papoulias stated that Greece and Malta, being Mediterranean countries, shared many things in common, and he was glad that relations between the two countries have remained excellent and stable over the years for the benefit of our peoples and our common region.

Papoulias expressed his sorrow over the recent tragedies occurring in the Mediterranean where hundreds of migrants drowned off Lampedusa, and stated that the sea around Malta should not be allowed to become a cemetery.

On his part, Stafrace agreed with Papoulias, and confirmed the present Maltese Government's commitment to assist the migrants reach a safe port while also insisting that this is not merely a Maltese or Italian problem but one that belongs to all Europe.

President Papoulias and Ambassador Stafrace also discussed shipping, and both expressed satisfaction that Malta and Greece have the two largest Shipping Registers among European Union member states.

Stafrace took the opportunity of the occasion to extend an official invitation from Maltese President George Abela for President Papoulias to pay a State Visit to Malta.

President Papoulias accepted the invitation with pleasure and looked forward to visit Malta on a mutually agreed date.