President Mary McAleese began the final day of her official visit to Malta by planting a magnolia in the garden of the presidential palace, formerly the residence of the British colonial governor. Her tree, a symbol of the strong ties that bind Malta to Ireland, stands in a grove planted by Queen Elizabeth II and the presidents of Cyprus, China, Albania, Italy, Portugal and the Czech Republic. The rest of the day was spent cultivating these bonds.
During a visit to the century old St Patrick's Salesian School, she recalled that its first rector Fr Patrick O'Grady, named this remarkable educational facility and home for disadvantaged boys for his patron saint. Mrs McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese were greeted by 90 students and staff. Here she spoke of the importance of education in the building of the common European homeland.
The bond of the Catholic Church and of European art are manifest at the magnificent baroque 16th century cathedral of St John, paved with 350 intricately decorated tombstones commemorating the six generations of aristocratic knights and prelates who served Malta. Above the altar are two white marble statues depicting St John's baptism of Jesus and in the cathedral museum, a Caravaggio portraying the beheading of St John.
At the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise she mentioned Irish-born Richard More O'Ferrall, the first civil governor of Malta who in 1848 encouraged Maltese businessmen to set up the chamber in another graceful palace in this city of many palaces. In a hall hung with chandeliers and portraits of Maltese worthies, she urged the business community to take full advantage of the common European market and other advantages membership brings. She said, too, that Ireland, the EU's westernmost member, and Malta, the southernmost member, are obliged to carry on dialogues with the US and Libya, building bonds between Europe, the US and Africa.
During the day she discussed both bilateral relations and what Europe has to offer with prime minister Lawrence Gonzi, leader of the opposition Dr Alfred Sant and other politicians. Standing on the cathedral's steps as the bells tolled the Angelus, she said that since Malta joined the EU in May 2004, "we have been anxious to ensure that we move beyond friendship into a very coherent partnership. As two island nations there is a lot to be gained by twinning our efforts to take advantage of the benefits EU membership offers."
On the practical front, she said Malta, which lies at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, is taking Ireland's advice in extending aid to developing countries. "It is a new phenomenon for Malta and they are giving the best example for new member states by given a percentage of 1.8 per cent of GNI."
Malta has also followed Ireland's example by adopting a smoking ban and charging for plasting bags. It is also "adopting the Irish model of economic development" and taken Ireland's advice over entry into the euro zone.