[WATCH] China, Malta 'experienced breakthroughs' in political relationship

China, Malta 'experienced breakthroughs' in political relationship • Video by Ray Attard

The secretary of the Communist Party of China, Guo Jinlong, has hailed the "breakthroughs" Malta and China experienced in their relationship as both countries pledged to continue strengthening their cooperation.

Guo was invited to Malta by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. He met President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca earlier today. A meeting with Opposition leader Simon Busuttil is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

"Even though we are geographically very distant, our friendship is sincere," Guo, sided by a translator, told Muscat. "We have seen breakthroughs in our relationship ... This wouldn't have been achieved without your two visits to China and the agreement signed."

A five-year memorandum of understanding was signed last year with the Chinese government, which included several investment opportunities in various sectors. The agreement was the longest China signed with an EU member state as the Maltese government had rushed to take advantage of China's eagerness to invest in Malta.

Last year, the government also signed an agreement which saw Chinese-state-owned company Shanghai Electric Power acquire a stake in Enemalta and become the operator of the BWSC plant.

"The cooperation between the two countries, especially in the energy sector, has proven to be a success," Muscat noted, who looks forward to strengthening the ties between the two.

The purpose of the visit is to further improve the high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation as listed in the MoU, the Chinese politician said.

Present for the meeting were also Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri.

The meeting continued in private.