[WATCH] ‘It’s like a dream, but I am looking forward’

President-elect George Vella said that while it still feels like a dream that he is about to be sworn in as the tenth President of Malta, he is determined to do his best and is looking forward to his term.

As people, including school children, lined up outside his Zejtun home, Vella said he was very appreciative of the gratitude shown to him by people for his contributions throughout his many years in politics.

"The biggest prize I can receive for my life’s work is the gratitude shown towards me by people. I was born in Zejtun and have lives here, and I have absolutely nothing to complain about, as I was always proud of all the gratitude demonstrated in my regard for doing my duty," Vella highlighted.

"I still feel like I am in a dream, but I am obviously conscious of my responsibilities. Once I made the decision to accept the offer for the role, I now look forward [to my presidency], and will do my best."

"Only God knows what I might be faced with [as President] - you need to be prepared," he added, "I think that, with my experience and political background, although it won’t be easy, I think it will be somewhat less dificult to face challenges."

"I pray to God that there won’t be problems, but in this position I will encounter challenges and will have to make decisions as is expected of me by the people."