1st Conference of the Honorary Consular Corps

On the 5th July 2019 the Council of the Honorary Consular Corps Organised its first Conference for its members at the Casino Maltese in Valletta.

The conference was opened with an address by the Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps Godwin Bencini and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Hon. Carmelo Abela delivered his opening speech. Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela stated that this was an excellent opportunity not only for the consuls to share their ideas and experiences, but also to strengthen contacts and relations between them. The consuls, Mr Abela added, are important partners in the promotion of everything that Malta represents. Minister Abela added that according to statistics released last year by Identity Malta, there are 22,120 persons in Malta from non-EU countries who hold a residence permit, and 520 European citizens, as well as other citizens from states in the European economic zone, the European Free Trade Association and Switzerland, who hold a permit for residence in Malta.

The first speaker was Ambassador Olaf J. Terrible (Former Director of Consular and Protocol and currently Chief of Staff of the Presidency) gave a presentation on Protocol and the Digital Era. The second speaker was the Deputy UK High Commissioner Ms. Fiona Maxton who gave a presentation on Consular Matters. The third presentation on Police Affairs was given by Assistant Police Commissioner Neville Xuereb.

The Conference was terminated by a panel discussion which was then followed by lunch.