The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo, has received the Ambassador of Ireland, Jim Hennessy on a courtesy visit.
They referred to the excellent relations that have always existed between Malta and Ireland and discussed numerous issues of mutual interest, mutual collaboration, exchange of high-level visits and co-operation at various levels.
Also discussed were science and technology research, connectivity between the two islands and the second fibre optic broadband. They also exchanged views on a number of international political issues.
In addition, the Minister and the Ambassador spoke about the uniqueness of Gozo with its particular traditions and culture. This, they said, meant that Gozo attracted quality tourism like diving holidays, opera tourists and culture tourism.
The Ambassador was particularly interested in high tech innovations and opportunities for advanced research between Gozo and Malta to draw down the Horizon 2020 Project funds for Research. Jim Hennessy expressed that Irish researchers will be very keen to collaborate with our islands in accessing EU funds in this area.
Both the Minister and the Ambassador were pleased that Professor Richard O’Kennedy from Dublin City University was in Gozo in April for the first science festival that was held in Gozo [1].
“This is evidence of successful collaboration between Ireland and Gozo. Such showed that our islands are moving forward and are very keen of science and technology while taking care of our culture and heritage,” The Minister and Ambassador said.
Minister Anton Refalo praised the Ireland Ambassador for his hard work to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.