Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Over the past five decades, Malta and Qatar have cultivated a deep and enduring friendship, strengthened through numerous high-level visits and bilateral exchanges, Ambassador of Malta to Qatar HE Simon Pullicino has said.
Speaking at a gala reception to commemorate the 61st anniversary of Malta’s Independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and Qatar, Ambassador Pullicino highlighted the longstanding and robust ties between the two nations, emphasising that the opening of the Maltese Embassy in Doha four years ago has further solidified this relationship.
The event was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhro, European Union Ambassador to Qatar and Kuwait HE Cristian Tudor, along with other dignitaries, ambassadors, and guests.
Ambassador Pullicino highlighted the growing strength of bilateral relations marked by a series of high-level visits. These include the visit of then-President Dr. George Vella to Qatar in June 2022, Dr. Lydia Abela’s visit in October 2024, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Dr. Ian Borg’s visit in January 2025.
He also noted ministerial-level visits by Malta’s ministers of finance, health, education, and sports, and emphasised the importance of the Second Round of Political Consultations held in Doha in August 2025, following the first round in Malta in January.
He added that sustained dialogues reflect a strong, forward-looking diplomatic partnership.
He praised the embassy’s role in deepening ties and commended Qatar’s progress under the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
A key milestone, he noted, was the resumption of direct Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Valletta in July 2025, boosting connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
He reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to diplomacy, de-escalation, and international law — principles shared with Qatar — and recognised Qatar’s vital role in regional and global mediation.
Malta, he stressed, does not remain silent in the face of conflict, adding that on September 9, it condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar and expressed full support for Qatari sovereignty and mediation efforts.
Ambassador Pullicino also reiterated Malta’s recognition of the State of Palestine and support for Palestinian self-determination, warning that the Two-State Solution is under grave threat.
He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian access.
He also reflected on Malta’s post-independence growth, its evolving economy, and its role as a cultural bridge between regions.
An exclusive recorded around two minutes video message for the occasion from Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, was also played.
He said that Malta has thrived as an independent nation, with a resilient, outward-looking people and a diversified economy driven by advanced manufacturing, tourism, and services. “Our global role far exceeds our size, as shown through recent leadership in the UN Security Council, OSCE, and Council of Europe. Diplomatic ties and deep-rooted people-to-people connections underpin our prosperity,” he said.
On behalf of the Maltese government, the envoy thanked the participants for celebrating Maltese National Day and for their contributions to Malta’s continued success.