On Thursday 04 April 2024, the High Commissioner of Malta to India, H.E. Reuben Gauci and his spouse Dr Olga V Gauci, along with Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Ivan Vassallo and First Secretary and Consul, Ms Tarniem Mangion Shokry Iskandar, welcomed a large number of distinguished guests at the Ambassador Hotel in the heart of New Delhi, to celebrate the 59th Anniversary of Malta-India Diplomatic Relations, which anniversary ushered in the 60th Year of Malta-India Relations.
The Reception, which was intentionally timed with the Inaugural Date of Malta’s New President, that of Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono as the 11th President of the Republic of MALTA, also celebrated the Installation of the New President of the Republic of Malta.
The Chief Guest of the event was Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of the Government of India, H.E. Meenakshi Lekhi. Renowned Maltese Pastry Expert, Ms Marilu’ Vella, was flown in from Malta to share with the guests a wide ranging selection of freshly made Maltese Pastizzi from her Pastizzi Gourmet Repertoire. Ms Vella collaborated with Indian Chefs from the Ambassador Hotel Kitchen in order to create a fusion of Maltese and Indian tastes. Samples of recently imported Maltese goods to India, such as the Beer Cisk, Twistees ( called Vicheez in India ) and Go & Fun Energy Drink, were served during the event.
During his speech, Mr Reuben Gauci said that Malta- India Diplomatic Relations were established on 10 March 1965, less than six months after Malta got its Independence on 21 September 1964 and that India was one of the first countries to recognise Malta as an Independent State.
Both High Commissioner Gauci and Minister of State Lekhi , outlined and underlined important mile-stones of Malta-India Relations throughout the decades to date, and augured that the 60th Year of Malta- India Relations would usher in a stronger momentum of fruitful bilateral ties.
This event was completely sponsored.