23-24 September 2021, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Maltese President Dr. George Vella paid an official visit to Germany, wherein he was received for bilateral talks by his German counterpart, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Castle.
Subsequently during that Thursday, President Dr. Vella and the latter’s spouse, Miriam Vella, were welcomed to Berlin by the city-state’s Governing Mayor Michael Müller at the Brandenburg Gate. Thereafter the dignitaries headed for the Red Town Hall, wherein the Presidential Couple exchanged views with the Governing Mayor on issues of topicality, and signed Berlin’s Golden Guestbook.
For the Maltese president, the official visit to Berlin had an emphasis on culture – with a visit to the newly opened Humboldt Forum-, the strengthening of diplomatic ties as well as multilateralism on the world stage; not least because his visit took place as the UN high-level week was ongoing.
President Dr. Vella likewise visited the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the Wall Memorial Museum, where he laid a wreath to commemorate the victims who lost their lives whilst attempting to flee across the wall.
On Friday, 24 September, the Presidential Couple partook at a reception held at the Adlon Hotel marking Malta’s 57th National Day, wherein the German Federal Government was represented by State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Miguel Berger.
During his allocution therein, President Dr. Vella highlighted the importance of multilateralism for Europe, and the world, and announced the creation of the Foundation for National Unity, whose ultimate objective is the people themselves. He stated that the foundation is going to be set up for them, the people, and that the citizens themselves are the ones that will contribute towards, and gain from, it’s growth and vision.
For further information:
Maltese Presidency: https://president.gov.mt/president-george-vella-on-an-official-visit-to-germany/?lang=en
Government of Malta: https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Press%20Releases/Pages/2021/September/25/pr211755en.aspx
Embassy of Malta in Germany (HE Ambassador Dr Vanni Xuereb): https://foreignandeu.gov.mt/en/Embassies/Me_Berlin/Pages/Press-Release.aspx
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Cover image by DOI, Fennech Clifton.
