President Eddie Fenech Adami yesterday congratulated George Abela for his nomination as the next President of Malta.
Dr Abela will succeed Dr Fenech Adami on April 4.
The government said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi called at the Palace in the morning to inform the President officially that Dr Abela had been nominated for the position, following agreement by the Leader of the Opposition Joseph Muscat.
Following Dr Gonzi's visit, Dr Fenech Adami phoned Dr Abela to congratulate him, a gesture which Dr Abela appreciated, the government said.