High Commissioner Bethel given a salute by the military of Malta in the courtyard of San Anton Palace. (Photo: Jeremy Wonnacott/ Department of Information/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malta)
|
The
Bahamas is forging diplomatic ties with the Republic of Malta ahead of the
2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
set for November.
Bahamas High Commissioner, His Excellency Eldred Bethel on September 17th presented his credentials to CHOGM’s host
country President, Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca during a ceremony at San Anton Palace, Malta.
“We
will endeavour to promote the national interests of The Bahamas and to
protect the rights of its citizens. However,
we regard it as equally important to encourage and further develop the
bilateral relations between our two countries particularly in the areas
of business, politics and culture,”
stated High Commissioner Bethel.
High
Commissioner Bethel thanked the President and the Maltese government
for their hospitality and conveyed the main priorities
of The Bahamas’ diplomatic service in the Republic of Malta. The High
Commissioner’s credentials presentation comes ahead of the Commonwealth
Heads of Government meeting to be hosted in Malta this year.
“And
as you prepare to host CHOGM again in November, my Prime Minister, The
Right Honourable Perry Christie is looking forward
to joining you. Malta, like The Bahamas is an active participant in the
United Nations, the Commonwealth and various other international
organisations. Your voting record shows that you have principles that we
share,”
he said.
High Commissioner Bethel and the President flanked by Malta officials. (Photo: Jeremy Wonnacott/ Department of Information/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malta)
|
In
addition to discussions on bilateral relations with the President of
Malta, High Commissioner Bethel also conducted discussions
with Maltese businessmen on possible private and public sector business
opportunities for Maltese companies to pursue.
His
Excellency is a non-resident Ambassador for the Commonwealth of The
Bahamas to several European countries including Belgium,
France, Germany, Greece and Italy. He also serves as Permanent
Representative to the International Maritime Organization headquartered
in London.
The Republic of Malta; an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea is a Southern European island country located south of Italy.
From left to right: Mrs. Maryanne Massa Personal Secretary to Her Excellency the President, Mr Godwin Pulis Diplomatic Advisor to the Presidency, Mr. Carmel Briffa Secretary to the Presidency, His Excellency Eldred Bethel, Her Excellency the President Mrs. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Mrs Dawne Bethel, Mrs Fiona Jayne Formosa Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Malta, Mr Edgar Preca spouse to the President, Mrs Hilda Ellul-Mercer Honorary Consul of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. High Commissioner Bethel given a salute by the military of Malta in the courtyard of San Anton Palace. (Photo: Jeremy Wonnacott/ Department of Information/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malta)
|