The Bridge

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Issue 7 March 2015

Migration scenario in discussed between Foreign Affairs Minister Dr George W. Vella and EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopolous

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella held 2014-2020. He added that this development is certainly March Review: discussions with Mr. Dimitris Avramopolous, EU Com- a welcome step in the right direction but insisted that missioner responsible for Migration, Home Affairs and solidarity with Malta needs to be expressed also in terms Citizenship on 26th March. The meeting was held at of fair responsibility sharing.  FM VELLA MEETS EU COMMIS- the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and focussed primarily SIONER DIMITRIS AVRAMOPOLOUS on the migration scenario in Malta. Developments in Commissioner Avramopolous underlined his commit- the region, particularly those in Libya as well as the ment to address Malta’s specific situation. He stated that  MEETING WITH IOM CHIEF OF security situation in the Mediterranean were also Malta’s proximity to countries going through a phase of MISSION FEDERICO SODA discussed. instability has resulted in unprecedented pressures re- lated to migration and security. The Commissioner as- In welcoming Mr Avramopulous to his new portfolio  FM VELLA HOLDS TALKS IN as Commissioner, Minister Vella elaborated on the sured that Malta has the Commission’s support in the CYPRUS difficulties encountered by Malta by the influxes of efforts being made to address existing and prospective migrants primarily from countries in the Horn of Africa. difficulties. Malta, he added, is not alone in this scenario Minister Vella called for increased involvement by the and the Commission will be doing its utmost to alleviate  FM VELLA PARTICIPATES IN FAC European Commission and individual EU Member the situation. MEETING IN BRUSSELS States in assisting countries, which like Malta, are bearing the brunt of these  FM VELLA ADDRESSES GYM- influxes. NICH MEETING IN RIGA

Minister Vella expressed  TURKISH FM OFFICIALLY VISITS satisfaction at MALTA the Commis-

sion’s recent  FM MEETS EU COMMISSIONER allocation of €17.1 million for Malta’s National Programme Contents: Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund covering FM DR GEORGE W. VELLA HOLDS 2 the period TALKS IN CYPRUS

DR GEORGE W. VELLA ADDRESSES 3 COLLEGUES AT THE GYMNICH MEETING IN RIGA … and IOM Chief of Mission Mr Federico Soda VISIT OF THE MINISTER FOR 4 FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUB- IOM Chief of Mission for Malta and Middle-East and North Africa which the restrictions of size, social reali- LIC OF TURKEY Italy, Mr Federico Soda, paid a cour- is becoming increasingly dire. ties and opportunities in Malta, the COMMONWEALTH DAY 2015 6 tesy call on the Hon Dr. George W. Smuggling of persons from these island lived up to its culture of as- Vella, Minister for Foreign Affairs on regions into Europe was also dis- sisting those in need. th Tuesday 24 March. Mr. Soda is cussed. INTERVIEW WITH H.E. PIERRE 6 Mr. Soda said that there was more resident in Rome, Italy. CLIVE AGIUS - AMBASSADOR FOR Minister Vella reiterated that Malta that the IOM could do in Malta with POLAND

During the meeting the discussion has always had excellent relations regards to programmes and inter- PALAZZO PARISIO AND THE 11 focused on the situation of Malta with the International Organisation ventions. He added that the IOM’s NAPOLEON CONNECTION with regards to irregular migration. for Migration and that the visits by policy was one in which responsibil- The discussions centred on the The Director General of the IOM, Mr. ity of refugees was to be shared and SHAWN MICALLEF - A SECOND 12 GENERATION HALF-MALTESE - TALKS situation in the Horn of Africa, the Swing, showed that notwithstanding not left to be shouldered by a few ABOUT TORONTO’S LITTLE MALTA Il-Pont

MALTA CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN TUNISIA

In March the strongly FM Dr George W. Vella meets IOM Chief of Mission Federico Soda … cont. condemned the attacks that took place in Tunisia. The Government expressed its countries. condolences to the families of the victims and augured a speedy recovery to those Minister Vella thanked Mr. Soda for the help and co-operation that Malta gets from the IOM in helping find countries injured. of resettlement for successful asylum seekers. On his side Mr. Soda said that he will be visiting Malta regularly and is Minister Vella commented on the events and looking for- underscored Malta’s solidarity with the ward to people of Tunisia. This attack should not be working with allowed to stand in the way and determina- tion of the Tunisian people to continue the Maltese building on the progress registered in recent authorities in months. He expressed support to the Gov- addressing ernment of Tunisia and encouraged the irregular international community to stand by Tunisia and its people at such a difficult moment. immigration and helping Minister Vella also discussed this tragic event as well as the situation in the Mediterranean to change the with his counterpart, the Foreign Minister of fate of these Cyprus during talks in Nicosia. people.

(see report on this page)

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. George W. Vella holds talks in Cyprus

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella in March officially visited Cyprus for talks with his counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides. During their meeting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Nicosia, the two Ministers discussed existing and prospective avenues of bilateral cooperation in various sectors. They also ex- changed views on developments in the Mediterranean, in particular the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Libya. The tragic events that unfolded in Tunisia were also raised, with both Ministers expressing condemnation of these attacks and solidarity with the Government and people of Tunisia.

Minister Vella described the meeting as a very positive one that reiterated the excellent relations between the two countries. ‘Cyprus and Malta share consid- erable similarities as island nations in the Mediterranean, with a shared history and common present-day challenges such as illegal migration”, stated Dr Vella.

The two countries have last year celebrated their tenth anniversary as members of the European Union and retained active membership in the Common- wealth. Malta in fact looks to host the Cypriot Head of State at the upcoming CHOGM to be held in Malta in November this year. Minister Vella ex- pressed his satisfaction at the intensive cooperation between the two countries on bringing Mediterranean realities to the fore of the European Union agenda. Cooperation has also been intensified in recent months through participation in specific frameworks focussing on our shared region such as the MED7 group.

On the invitation of both sides, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Montenegro Igor Lukšić joined the Cypriot and Maltese Foreign Ministers in tripartite talks, where the country’s process of accession to the European Union and the situation in the Western Balkans were discussed more generally.

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EU Foreign Ministers discuss ways to support political process Gymnich: Political solution only option for Libya in Libya and external relations aspects of EU migration policy conflict

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, attended a meeting The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, addressing col- of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where Ministers discussed leagues at the GYMNICH meeting in Riga, Latvia, underscored the the situation in Libya, relations with Africa and the Eastern Partner- centrality of finding a political solution to the current crisis and the ship. Ministers also had a lunch discussion with Migration commis- importance for Europe to keep a close focus on the country. sioner Avramopoulos on possible EU external relations action to Minister Vella reiterated that developments in Libya and the Mediter- complement work by the Justice and Home Affairs Council to avoid further tragedies at sea and land borders, securing protection for ranean are intrinsically linked to European stability and security. those in need in the transit countries and fighting against criminal Speaking on migration, Minister Vella underlined the importance that networks controlling human trafficking and smuggling. Minister the current humanitarian tragedy is given greater priority by the EU Vella insisted on importance of applying the principle of solidarity and also by individual Member States in the relocation of beneficiaries of protection as well as the impor- tance of ensuring the full implementation of the Dublin Regulation, including the humanitarian clauses.

Following the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers held earlier in March in Riga, Ministers discussed further EU engagement and action in response to developments on the ground in Libya and the outcome of the Rabat talks facilitated by the United Nations. Minis- ter Vella stressed the importance of the EU being prepared to con- tribute to the success of an eventual agreement with a range of measures to support a Government of National Unity, including the monitoring of a ceasefire and support for the implementation of security arrangements. Ministers called on all Libya parties to par- ticipate constructively in the UN-facilitated dialogue to ensure the rapid formation of a Government of National Unity in order to take forward the democratic transition and restart the remonstration of the country. The Council expressed serious concern about the in- creased activity of terrorist and extremists groups and expressed its readiness to step up its engagement on counter-terrorism. Minis- Foreign Ministers at the meeting addressed the situation in Libya and ters invited the High Representative to present, as soon as possible, spoke at large about the ongoing negotiations between the Tobruk proposals on possible Common Security and Defence Policy activi- and Tripoli Governments, currently taking place under the auspice of ties in close coordination with the UN, Libya, key partner and re- the UN and hosted by Morocco. Foreign Ministers also expressed gen- gional actors, as part of a wide set of policy options. eral support for the negotiation efforts of UN Special Representative, One year after the Fourth EU-Africa Summit Ministers had a strate- Mr Bernardino Leon and maintained a united front on the need to gic discussion addressing peace, prosperity and partnerships in immediately halt violence and find a political solution to the current Africa, examining ways how the EU and its Member States can work crisis. together in a comprehensive manner to address the challenges and The meeting was presided by the High Representative of the European opportunities the continent presents. The Council adopted conclu- Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the sions on Ebola, Burundi, Mali and Gulf of Guinea. European Commission, H E and the Minister for Ministers also discussed the Eastern Partnership in view of the Sum- Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, H E Edgars Rinkēvičs. mit that will be held in Riga in May. They emphasised the continu- ing importance of the Partnership in the foreign policy of the EU and stressed the necessity to motivate the more successful and active partners to carry out reforms.

Minister Vella attended a meeting of the Group of the Friends of Moldova, which preceded the Foreign Affairs Council. The discus- sion between EU Foreign Ministers and Natalia Gherman, the Minis- ter of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova, largely focused on the need for Moldova to sustain its process of reforms in line with the implementation of its Association Agreement with the European Union. Minister Vella joined his colleagues in welcom- ing Moldova’s commitment to closer political ties and economic integration with the European Union. Minister Vella also noted that the achievement of visa liberalization between Moldova and the EU in March of 2014 has already increased people-to-people contacts, and is a tangible and positive outcome resulting from Moldova’s decision to pursue European standards and values.

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Visit of H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Minister for Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Turkey

Official talks took place in March between Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr W. George Vella and H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey who was in Malta on the invitation of Minister Vella.

The Ministers discussed at lenght aspects of the strong relations between the two countries and took positive note of the strengthened cooperation in many areas, especially in the economic and commercial fields. They concurred on the importance of placing further emphasis on consolidating trade and investment which are already very promising. In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to move forward in the setting up of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee.

On the accomplishments reached over the past months, the Ministers re- called the maritime cooperation agreement signed earlier this year and the ratification of the bilateral cultural agreement which is in the final stages. Additionally they welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) at the University of Malta and the Diplomacy Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, today. The MoU will boost bilateral cooperation and networking between the respective diplomatic academies.

Turkey’s EU accession bid also featured promintently during the discussions where appreciation was expressed for Malta’s support. The situation in Libya, Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process and Yemen also featured during the talks during which both sides took note of the latest developments and shared their perspectives of the complex challenges that have to be addressed both regionally and internationally.

While discussing migration, the two Ministers gave details as to how their respective countries were affected by the phenomenon as a result of instability in their regions. It was agreed that countries on the front line and those seriously affected should not be left alone to deal with such challenges which inevitably have cross border implications. Minister Vella expressed Malta’s appreciation of Turkey’s role in addressing the daily plight of thousands of refugees fleeing Syria. The two Ministers directed their Ministries to follow up and maintain closer contact so that the two countries could move forward on the agreed areas of cooperation.

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Foreign Affairs Minister meets EU Commissioner Neven Mimica

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr George W. Vella had a meeting with Mr Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Coopera- tion and Development to discuss ongoing UN negotiations on the establishment of a Post 2015 framework of Sustainable Develop- ment Goals.

Referring to the recent Commission Communication A Global Partner- ship for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015, Dr Vella reiterated Malta’s commitment and support to the EU's develop- ment policy, highlighting in particular the ambitious focus on poverty eradication and sustainable development. The link between develop- ment policy and migration was also amongst the topics raised at the meeting.

Minister Vella emphasized the need for the EU's development initia- tives to allow the contribution of non-governmental development or- ganisations and national platforms from all member states, irrespective of their size. In this manner, the EU's development efforts could enjoy the widest possible support across the Union.

Minster Vella also stressed the importance that the financing of sustainable development should itself be sustainable and realistic.

Minister Vella participated in an informal Development Ministers’ meeting hosted by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr George W. Vella meets designate Ambassadors for Poland and Gambia

On 25 March 2015, Dr George W. Vella, Minister for Foreign Affairs, re- ceived the Ambassador designate of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Jolanta Janek.

In welcoming Ambassador Janek, Minister Vella recalled the recent visits to Poland by H.E. President Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, in June 2014, to participate at the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Solidarność and in January 2015 for the commemoration marking the liberation of Ausch- witz. These visits contributed to the further consolidation of bilateral ties. He also emphasized the importance of supporting the ongoing projects aimed at boosting relations in the cultural, economic and commercials spheres.

Ambassador Janek expressed her intent to further promote the already excellent ties between Malta and Poland which, although separated by geography, still share a long-established history of friendly relations. Both sides also exchanged views on current events, namely the situations in Ukraine and Libya whilst topical EU-related issues featured prominently on the agenda of talks.

In a separate meeting, Minister for Foreign held discussions with the Ambassador Designate of Gambia H.E. Mr. Lang Yabou. The discussions dealt with various issues including irregular migration, international cooperation, trade and investment, educa- tion, the present political and security situation in Africa and the Mediterranean and migration. During the meeting Ambassador Yabou expressed his wish to step up the level of cooperation between the two countries which go back to 1976.

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COMMONWEALTH DAY, 9 March 2015

Malta, along with another fifty-two Commonwealth countries celebrated Commonwealth Day, this year with the theme chosen “A Young Common- wealth”. The theme was selected in recognition of the capacity, contribution and potential of young people.

Six Commonwealth Flag raising ceremonies were held across Malta in Gozo, which saw the participation of the Localities of Birzebbuga, Hal Qormi, Nax- xar, Mosta and Xaghra Gozo. In Valletta, the ceremony was presided over by the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. , whereas the Hon. George W. Vella, Minister for Foreign Affairs opened the event at the Saluting Battery at the Barrakka Gardens.

Representatives from the Scouts Association assisted in raising the Common- wealth Flag at this morning’s event. In keeping with the Commonwealth theme, representatives from the Youth Forum read out the messages by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Commonwealth Secretary General as well as the Commonwealth Affirmation. For this event, Republic Street in Valletta was adorned with 53 flags, each representing a member state of the Com- monwealth.

Schools were also invited to mark Commonwealth Day, through the conven- ing of individual special assemblies whilst students were also given informa- tion on the Commonwealth and the role of Malta therein.

A vin d’honneur, which was jointly co-organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, together with the High Commissions of the United Kingdom, Austra- lia and Ghana respectively, was held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In their message to members of the diplomatic corps present for the occasion, Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. George W. Vella, together with the resi- dent High Commissioners of the United Kingdom, Australia and Ghana em- phasised the notion that a revitalised Commonwealth brings added value especially to the young generations to which this years’ Commonwealth Day was dedicated.

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Ambassador for Poland Pierre Clive Agius talks to The Bridge about his role, promoting Malta in Poland and more ...

You are representing Malta in Poland. How long have you been Malta’s Ambassador to Poland and what are the challenges you encounter? I have been in Poland now for almost 18 months. It is a most interesting posting. Poland is in full ex- pansion – both economic and political. Poland has become a European and regional actor and has taken the lead on several issues. The role of Poland in Ukraine is a case in point. There are several challenges. These are political, administrative, economic and even social challenges. Politically, the most evident challenge is how to persuade our Polish partners to see and understand our point of views and give attention to our issues. Poland economically looks to the north while po- litically it considers itself as a leading Central European and Eastern European actor. The issues and challenges in the south of Europe ¾ including migration and the extremist terrorism ¾ are some- what far away from its epicentre. The sad killing by terrorists of Polish citizens while they were on holidays in Tunisia exposed, in the most violent way, how fast we all can become vulnerable. In this respect there is no north or south, east or west. Economically speaking, the immediate challenge is how to best show case and promote Malta in Po- land. One of the areas where Malta was completely unknown but is now starting to stand out in Po- land is its financial services. Malta is emerging as a financial services centre of high reputation and seriousness. Tourism is another area where we are seeing good progress. I believe, however, that we need to do more especially when it comes to marketing. This is a challenge in itself. What is a typical day in your life as an Ambassador? I really do not have a typical day. I try to fit as many things as possible in my day. Once or twice a month, for example, I start the day with working breakfasts ¾ usually business breakfasts just to connect, to get to know people and to remind Pol- ish business and the media of a country called Malta. I try to keep regular contact with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Poland - brief Polish diplomats in Warsaw of developments in Malta, of important policy decisions while at the same time provide an opportunity to our Partners to raise issues of mu- tual interest. I also try to keep a similar contact with the Polish Sejm (the Parliament) and the Senate – especially with the Friends of Malta Group. This I find very important because often there is a defi- Press “Ctrl” and the picture cit of information about Malta. above for more info The evenings are essentially taken up by social commitments – attend-

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ing national day receptions is a priority. I also oblige to dinner invitations which I reciprocate at my residence. I consider attending such social obligations and commitments as most important not only because one continuously meets new and influential personalities but also because of rumours and insights on current affairs. There is also a measure of administration which has to be fitted in the day. An embassy is actually similar to running a small business. One has to ensure that it is run smoothly yet correctly, efficiently and responsibly. I also have to make space for reading and for writing and submitting reports to Valletta. What qualities, in your opinion, should an Ambassador have? ‘The size of a country is relative to those representing it’ ¾ this has been my guiding principle in my professional life. I often say that Malta is a victim of its size. This is a constant challenge in my job. People might oversee our history, our contributions, our solutions, our knowledge because of our size and this may become a discouraging factor. This is why I strongly believe that it is not the size that makes sense but the ideas, the arguments, the determination of those representing Malta. At the same time one has to remember that everything is relative ... in a way all European countries are small in comparison to countries like China. A diplomat has to be an all rounder. He has to have tact, he has to be communicative, be assertive and persuasive and make good judgement calls. He has to have also obvious academic skills: be ana- lytical and able to write about and to convey concisely but comprehensively a situation which could influence in a way or another, decisions that effect our country. A diplomat should have good social skills ¾ a diplomat should be able to forge sincere relations with foreign colleagues. It is truly remarkable how much insights can be obtained with the help of col- leagues. I also think that a diplomat should be a patient and perseverant person because ultimately our task is to convince others to see our perceptions, to understand our reasoning and to sympathise with our concerns and positions. Looking back, what are the highlights you have achieved as the Ambassador to Poland to date? When I arrived there was very little activity about Malta going on in Poland – there was, and still is, a big void of information about Malta, about our foreign policy, about our challenges including security challenges, but also about our successes and attainments. Few, for example, were aware that Malta did not only not suffer the fate of some other EU Euro-Zone economic problems, but that actually Malta is doing very well and scoring the best points in the club. Promoting Malta in Poland as a financial centre, I believe was a successful challenge which I truly en- joyed and which is yielding concrete results. Since my arrival I also saw good progress in tourism from Poland to Malta. This is certainly thanks to the increase of airline seat capacity but we have en- sured not only to be present in fairs and meetings but to make Malta visible. I also feel that we have contributed through academic circles and notably institutes, colleges and uni- versities. We have established excellent relations with such institutions and as a result we are regu- larly invited to deliver lectures about Malta. This, I find, is an excellent way how to give visibility with-

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out spending money. How do you promote Malta in Poland? I quite enjoy promoting Malta. Our country has some organic selling points which make it very attrac- tive. The fact that it has a very old history and an extremely rich heritage, that it is an island and in the Mediterranean, that the English language is of- ficial in Malta ... these are all appealing to the Euro- pean market. I make creative use of these elements and people are fascinated. As a concept I combine three elements. These are culture, quality and our lifestyle. This is the best vehicle I found in promot- ing Malta. I also like to involve partnerships in my promo- tional stints – the Embassy has the brand and the credibility which can complement stronger financial resources of the private. The result has always been very encouraging and successful. Last month (March) local poets and poems started featuring in Warsaw on public transport. This was also highlighted in the local media. How did this promotion for local poets and poems come about? This was one of the projects I enjoyed doing most – the opportunity presented itself when the City of Warsaw was inaugurating the new metro system financed by the European Union and I heard that the Cultural Institutes of the EU Member States in Warsaw were considering an activity for the event. Malta is rarely represented in these events because we do not have any cultural institutes. I am an admirer of Maltese contemporary artists ... our artists travel and participate in international conventions. They interact with counterparts from all over the world and often they do this on their own steam without any assistance. They are true ambassadors of Malta. Some even brought us great honours ... like Immanuel Mifsud and Pierre Meilak who both won the European Union Prize for Literature. They are a source of inspiration and a source of national pride. I, therefore, proposed to include excerpts of poems of Maltese poets. These poems were translated into Polish and they were a great success. They were translated by a Maltese citizen, Mr. Roberto Galea and his Polish wife Barbara. This was not the only event we organised. Last year we had several events including a partici- pation by the Maltese international jazziest Sandro Zerafa in the Warsaw Summer International Jazz Days. This was the first time ever for a Mal- tese artist to participate. This is a permanent fixture in the Warsaw Cultural calendar and draws large crowds. It is one of the biggest in Eastern Europe. Zerafa featured along jazz giants like Sydney Por-

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ter. Malta also received important visibility as an event destination. Malta featured on the official catalogue of the Warsaw Summer Jazz Days as well as on other printed, internet and air media. Another successful event organised by this Embassy was a concert by the international Maltese guitarist Simon Schembri. He gave a formidable concert at the Royal Castle in the historical centre of Warsaw. The concert was one in the series ‘Rise like the Phoenix’ which commemorated the 50th anniver- sary of the reconstruction of the Royal Castle. Again to see the name of a Maltese artist alongside huge international musicians is a great sense of satisfaction. Last December we also organised a wonderful exhi- bition by Dr. Raphael Vella, a Maltese contemporary artist. The exhibition was held at the Senate’s Hall of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. This is one of the top-most venues for contemporary art in Eastern Europe. This is the place were only the best are invited to show their work. It was, therefore, a sense of great satisfaction when my proposal was accepted. It is a proof of our quality, of the qual- ity we in Malta are able to produce, a quality that is second to none. Is there a Maltese Community in Poland? Do they hold activities, celebrations? We have a small but active Maltese community. They feel very responsible towards me and they really take care of me and my family. I involve them regularly in the organisation of events. They are very resourceful and I am most grateful for their contributions and support. They love Malta. Some members are in business and some have Polish spouses. We also have a small community of mem- bers of MUSEUM in the south of Poland, in Poznan. They are highly respected and trusted. They learned Polish and have found jobs. They are doing a great job and fostering apprecia- tion for Malta from the local population. The Embassy tries to organise an activity at least every quarter. An event, usually around Christmas time, is dedicated entirely to the Maltese community. Last year we also organised a Malta Day event which was a big success. I entered into partnership with Samsung Poland, who supplied us with ten huge screens, and with the financial help of several Maltese economic inter- ests we organised a reception in the Historical Agricultural Library of Warsaw in the Old Town. The participation was beyond expectations with several Senators, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, journalists and high society present. The event was also widely reported in High Society and Life Style printed media.

For more information about the Embassy in Poland and all contacts go to the Ministry’s Website - Missions abroad - Poland or press “Ctrl” and click the flags.

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Palazzo Parisio and the Napoleon Connection

Malta appeared as an important piece of Napoleon's Medi- terranean strategy. On 9 June 1797, his gigantic fleet, com- manded by Admiral Brueys, set siege on Malta. On the morning of the 10th, the French forces attacked and Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim capitulated on 12th.

Napoleon Bonaparte landed on June 13 and took up his quarters at the Banco Giuratale in Mer- chants Street, but, finding this far from comfort- able, next day moved to Palazzo Parisio which to- day is the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. During his very short stay of six days between 12 to 20 June 1798, prior to embarking for his Egyptian cam-

paign, he accomplished quite a extraordinary number of reforms, notably:

— The creation of a new administration with a Government Commission; — The creation of twelve municipalities; — The setting up of a public finance administra- tion; — The abolition of all feudal rights and privi- leges; — The abolition of slavery and the granting of freedom to all Turkish slaves; — On the judicial level, a family code was framed and twelve judges were nominated; — Public education was organised along principles laid down by Bonaparte himself, providing for pri- mary and secondary education. Fifteen primary schools were founded and the university was replaced by an ’Ecole centrale’ in which there were eight chairs, all very scientific in outlook: notably, arithmetic and stereometry, algebra and stereotomy, geometry and astronomy, mechanics and physics, navigation, chemis- try.

Many of these reforms in- stituted by Napoleon still exist in Malta today.

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Toronto’s Little Malta gives me second-generation immigrant guilt: Micallef

The city’s Maltese population has mostly moved on from the

Junction’s Malta Village, dispersing throughout the GTA. Shawn

Micallef, a second-generation half-Maltese kid, feels a little Little Italy. Chinatown. Gerrard India Bazaar. Koreatown. Little Ethiopia. Toronto is a city of ethnic clusters that are celebrated for their miniature recreations guiltyof the “old aboutcountry.” not visiting the area more often.

Little Italy. Chinatown. Gerrard India Bazaar. Koreatown. Little Ethiopia. Toronto is a city of ethnic clusters that are celebrated for their miniature recreations of the “old country.”

It’s a permanent Carousel of Nations, but for immigrant communities that largely arrived a generation or more ago, the corresponding population in the surrounding neighbourhood often has moved elsewhere in the city. Left behind are the ethnic strips concentrated around restaurants, cultural centres, and places of worship.

In the Junction neighbourhood along Dundas St. W. there’s Malta Village; it too has seen most of the local Maltese population disperse throughout the GTA. Still, they come back to attend mass at St. Paul the Apostle church on Sundays or pick up some pastizzi, Malta’s savoury pastry, at the Malta Bake Shop.

I’ve always called the neighbourhood Little Malta instead of Malta Village, amused by the irony of a little version of a place that is quite little itself. As a second- generation half-Maltese kid growing up in Canada, it was a physical connection to an ancestral homeland. Like most Mal- tese, I’m proud that the wee Mediterranean island nation com- mands such a presence on Dundas, punching above its size and weight.

I also feel guilty, though.

I don’t go to Little Malta much. In fact, I probably visit Malta it- self more than I frequent the Maltese establishments on Dundas. I don’t make it to the Malta Bake Shop unless I’m taking a friend for a first visit. I don’t drink at the Maltese Canadian Society of Toronto (established 1922) and I’m not a member of the Melita Soccer Club (Melita being the allegorical figure representing Malta). I don’t even go to the Maltese travel agency, the one with a picture of an Air Malta plane in the window, to buy my ticket to Malta.

Little Malta is on the other side of town from where I live, but that’s not a good excuse; I travel around to other places further afield routinely. Toronto is a city with many scenes and near-endless distractions

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though, all vying for attention. And my “Malteseness,” if that’s a thing, is just part of my identity here as a Canadian, although an important part.

Being a member of a diaspora is sometimes a disconnected experience for sec- ond-generation immigrants, a kind of shadow citizenship, of being of another place without actually being from there. “Perhaps

pastizzi will

Some people learned traditional folk dances as kids; others keep the old recipes become a alive at home. Unlike myself, second-generation people who speak the lan- trendy food guage might have the deepest connection. like fish tacos or Cronuts The Maltese, perhaps due to a shared British colonial heritage, have assimilated and every- so deeply into Canadian culture that I’m often surprised when people I’ve body will known for years tell me they’re Maltese. Cultures blend and change naturally, that’s fine, but still the guilt remains. flock to the

Malta Bake Maybe the ethnic commercial strips are as much for everyone else as the ethnic Shop. group itself and are a symbolic public presence marking who has arrived here, though I’m sure shop owners would rather that bond be a little stronger and I hope so. The visitations a little more frequent. This summer, Heritage Toronto will be unveil- second- ing a plaque dedicated to the Maltese community here. That may help renew generation the bond. guilt can get

I should go to Little Malta more, I often think, but that resolve crumbles as the heavy at rest of Toronto distracts me. times.”

Maybe more people of non-Maltese descent should visit to help alleviate my guilt. Buy a plane ticket. Go to confession at St. Paul’s. Have a picnic in Malta Park.

Perhaps pastizzi will become a trendy food like fish tacos or Cro- nuts and every- body will flock to the Malta Bake Shop.

I hope so. The second- generation guilt can get heavy at times.

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T h e B r i d g e

Ministry for Foreign Affairs Palazzo Parisio Merchants Street, Valletta VLT1170

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Editor’s note

May I start by thanking all for the Our man in Toronto, Mr. Charles this in the next issue of The feedback received for the previ- Sultana was a great help to get Bridge. ous issue. I had good reactions Mr. Shawn Micallef’s interview for the 6th issue, and also a cou- published in this issue. I enjoyed In this issue I also venture on a ple of good suggestions. Keep reading it; go through it - it’s a regular article which I will be them coming! very good read. I thank Mr. Mi- publishing in the newsletter. I callef for granting permission to just love history, especially our March was, as with all months, a reproduce his article which was Islands’. Let’s talk shop and start hectic month at the Ministry for originally published in The Star, with the Ministry - Palazzo Pari- Foreign Affairs. In this issue you of which he is a weekly corre- sio, that is. In my input I will pic- will find the Minister’s main spondent on the 19th March. torially visit Napoleon’s connec- meetings and activities. tion with Palazzo Parisio. Hope This month - April, the Ministry you will enjoy. As promised, this issue carries has a major event: The Conven- more articles and I started with tion of Maltese Living Abroad Please do send your suggestions. an interview with our Ambassa- 2015. This convention sees repre- As I said, this newsletter is the What’s Napoleon Bona- dor in Poland, Mr. Pierreclive sentatives of the Maltese Dias- Ministry’s as much as it is yours! parte’s connection with Pa- Agius., which is an interesting pora converging on the island to lazzo Parisio, now housing look at how our missions abroad meet, discuss and voice their Etienne St. John the Ministry for Foreign Af- work to promote the Maltese opinions. The Convention is held Communications Coordinator fairs? Check Page 11. Islands. once every five years. More on Ministry for Foreign Affairs