MaltaMedia.com

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami, accompanied by Dr. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, were welcomed on Tuesda by Governor General Quentin Bryce AC and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE at the Government House in Canberra.

During talks, The President and the Governor General spoke about the long standing and strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The President conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Government and the People of Malta for the Victoria Bushfires tragedy.

The Governor General recalled her visit to Malta last November, when she was impressed by the hospitality given to her and her husband, and added that it was a positive experience.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce later hosted The President and Mrs Fenech Adami to an official Lunch at the Government House in Canberra.

President Fenech Adami met a group of members of the Australia Federal Parliament and recalled the success of the Maltese in Australia and stated that he was pleased to hear that there was resurgence in the learning of the Maltese language among the Maltese community.

In the evening, The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attended a harbour cruise dinner hosted by the Leader of the House, New South Wales, the Hon. John Aquilina.

On Monday, the President had talks with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and with the Leader of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament House, Canberra.

During the official dinner hosted by Prime Minister Rudd in honour of the President and Mrs Fenech, both Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition recalled President Fenech Adami’s distinctive political career and his contribution towards the development of the Maltese nation. Prime Minister Rudd stated that both countries share a sense of common values to be good citizens of the world and stated that: “Australia would not be as complete without Malta”.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attended a community function for the Maltese Community in Canberra.

Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Tonio Borg had talks with his counterpart, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.

The President left Canberra for Sydney on Tuesday afternoon.