Maltese ambassador sees growth in Malta-Kuwait ties

• His Excellency Prof. Dr. George A. Said-Zammit, Ambassador of Malta to Kuwait, highlighted numerous opportunities to enhance trade volume, cultural exchanges, and sports initiatives between the two nations

• Approximately 100 Kuwaiti students are currently studying in Maltese universities, specializing in general medicine, dentistry, and engineering

The Times Kuwait Report

His Excellency Prof. Dr. George A. Said-Zammit, Ambassador of Malta to Kuwait, highlighted numerous opportunities to enhance trade volume, cultural exchanges, and sports initiatives between the two nations. He emphasized Kuwait’s keen interest in nurturing these relations.

The ambassador, speaking to reporters during a celebration marking his country’s twentieth anniversary of joining the European Union, stated that there is a growing demand among Kuwaitis to travel to Malta.

He revealed ongoing discussions with Kuwaiti officials to establish a direct airline route between the two countries, aiming to bolster bilateral relations across multiple sectors. He also emphasized the mutual desire of both nations to expand and deepen their relationship.

Ambassador Said-Zammit stated that he is working to strengthen cooperation in the sports field, highlighting Malta’s renowned tennis, padel, and gymnastics games. He mentioned the interest shown by Kuwaiti clubs in fostering this relationship.

The ambassador also noted that approximately 100 Kuwaiti students are currently studying in Maltese universities, specializing in general medicine, dentistry, and engineering. He revealed that a delegation from the University of Malta will visit Kuwait within two weeks to introduce Kuwaiti students to the university’s various specializations. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the American University in Kuwait and institutions in Malta.

His Excellency invited Kuwaitis to visit his country during the summer, highlighting its picturesque beaches and ancient monuments. He added that the Maltese people are very friendly and always welcome their guests.

A film screening of the award-winning Maltese film ‘Luzzu’ was held for an exclusive gathering of guests to commemorate the anniversary and as part of Europe month celebrations in Kuwait.

In his address to the guests, Ambassador Said-Zammit highlighted that 20 years ago, on May 1, Europe witnessed a significant transformation with the enlargement of the Union to include Malta, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This historic date marked the largest single enlargement in terms of both population and countries, signifying the integration of national histories, legal cultures, traditions, and the diversity represented by the ten new Member States. The 2004 enlargement of the European Union marked a constitutional moment, heralding a paradigm shift that unified Eastern and Western Europe into a common constitutional project.

He further emphasized that the European Union extended its values and principles to regions of Europe with complex histories. While the ten new Member States joined the EU with a strong determination and hope for freedom, justice, and prosperity, their resolve would face significant challenges. This marked the onset of a new era for Europe.

The ambassador also noted 20 years later, Malta stood honored to have played a pivotal role in this new era for Europe, which led to a stronger Union of European citizens.

Ambassador Said-Zammit concluded with a poignant reminder that while celebrating this milestone anniversary, they should not only reflect on the achievements of the past 20 years but also look ahead with optimism and determination. Today’s challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical uncertainties, necessitate reaffirming their unity, solidarity, and cooperation within the EU and beyond.