Barroso welcomes Gonzi's re-election

The European Commission yesterday welcomed the re-election of the Nationalist Party at last Saturday's polls.

In a message from Brussels to Lawrence Gonzi, hours following the publication of the official election results, the President of the Commission, José Manuel Durao Barroso, said the Commission is looking forward to continue working with Dr Gonzi to address the challenges ahead.

"On behalf of the European Commission and myself, I would like to express my sincere congratulations on your reappointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta," Mr Barroso told Dr Gonzi in a short message.

"I look forward to your continued support for the European Union as we seek to consolidate what we have together achieved so far and to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. I wish you every success in your new mandate and also kindly allow me to express my good wishes to the Maltese people."

Appointed Prime Minister in March 2004, taking over from Eddie Fenech Adami, Dr Gonzi has been leading the country since it joined the EU and has become a well-known figure among the EU leaders.

On Thursday, Dr Gonzi is expected to go to Brussels to represent Malta in a two-day EU summit held under the current Slovenian presidency of the EU.

The two main themes of the summit will be the new phase of the Lisbon Agenda for growth and jobs and a new EU package on energy and climate change. Dr Gonzi will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Finance, who, of course, still have to be appointed.