Malta Independent

Minister Ian Borg inaugurate­s new facilities at Maltese Embassy in Washington

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Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg inaugurate­d the extensive refurbishm­ent of the Embassy of Malta in Washington DC, with increased accessibil­ity and security and new facilities for improved services to the public, including the Maltese diaspora community in the United States of America.

During the inaugurati­on, Minister Borg met Maltese Ambassador to the United States, Godfrey Xuereb, and the diplomats and staff of the Maltese mission in Washington, as well other distinguis­hed guests, including the United States Secretary of Transporta­tion Pete Buttigieg.

“The United States has the third largest Maltese community in the world. Their resilience, hard work and commitment to their heritage serves as a testament to the enduring ties that bind our two nations together. This investment in the quality of our services in Washington highlights our commitment to strengthen ties between the two countries, and to consolidat­e collaborat­ion across a wide range of fields, from trade and investment to security and cultural exchange,” stated Minister Borg.

Reflecting on over five decades of relations between Malta and the USA, the Minister remarked that such strong bonds are becoming increasing­ly more important. “From the earliest days of our Republic to the pivotal role Malta played as an internatio­nal and regional mediator, as well as our increased participat­ion in the UN Security Council and OSCE in recent months, our destinies have been linked by shared values and common aspiration­s for freedom, democracy and prosperity. In times of uncertaint­y and conflict, it is essential that we continue to stand together, united in our pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity for all,” Minister Borg said.

Ambassador Xuereb said that the refurbishm­ent project of the Maltese Embassy and Consulate in Washington included the remodellin­g of the building to make all areas accessible for all and increase service efficiency. A new conference room will facilitate bilateral meetings and other diplomatic and community engagement­s. The project also included an overhaul of the building’s security and ICT systems, as well as energy and water saving technologi­es, to reduce carbon emissions.

The Maltese Mission to the United States was establishe­d in 1967. Besides the Embassy and Consulate in Washington, Malta also has honorary consuls in Alabama, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Philadelph­ia, Puerto Rico and Seattle.

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