1. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Malta in 2015, President Park Geun-hye of the ROK exchanged celebratory messages with President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca of Malta.

* The ROK and Malta established diplomatic relations on April 2, 1965.

2. In her message, President Park took note of the advances in the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries across the board, including political affairs, economy and culture. She also conveyed her hope that the two, by drawing upon their outstanding human resources, trade activities with other countries and other similarities, will further broaden the scope of their cooperation in the next 50 years.

◦ In particular, the ROK President extended appreciation to the Maltese government for rendering active cooperation to the ROK during the urgent evacuation of its nationals from Libya in August 2014, including by permitting an ROK Navy vessel to enter its port.

3. President Coleiro Preca noted with appreciation that as a result of the remarkable economic development of the two countries since 1965, Malta had joined the EU and the eurozone, while the ROK had become a steadfast trade partner of the international community, particularly in the high-tech and manufacturing sectors. She proposed that the two countries move their close cooperative ties further forward through dialogue and cooperation.

4. In addition to the exchange of congratulatory messages between their heads of state, the ROK and Malta will hold a variety of meaningful events in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2015, including a business forum between their entrepreneurs and cultural performances. 


                Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation