Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, visited Malta from August 21st to August 23rd, 2022. She was invited by the Foreign Ministry of Malta to visit the country. Smt. Lekhi met the President of Malta, Dr. George Vella; the Foreign Minister, Dr. Ian Borg; the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Clayton Bartola; and the Minister of National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, Dr. Owen Bonicci.
The Key Points of the Meeting
- An in-depth discussion about their bilateral relations was held between the two nations, incorporating trade and investment, solar energy, maritime cooperation, tourism, culture, and films. The areas of future cooperation were also discussed, which included the health and fintech sectors.
- The Maltese government appreciated the contribution of Indian companies that have a strength of 112 in Malta, particularly in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Smt. Lekhi also met with the Director and board members of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) at the University of Malta. This institute has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), MEA, India. It contributes to the improvement of coordination between the two countries’ diplomatic institutions.
- Smt. Lekhi also participated in the annual cultural festival of Malta, the Dingli Festival, performed yoga in an event, and planted tree samples at the Baskett Woodlands of Malta, which was as a part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations in Malta. Furthermore, at a community event, she interacted with the people of the Indian diaspora.
Both countries also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. Smt. Lekhi’s visit will further the momentum of high-level exchanges, which will enhance the cooperation between Malta and India.
