US ambassador's term to end on Feb 6

US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro said today that her term as ambassador will close on February 6 and that she and her family will be returning to the United States.

In a statement, Ambassador Bordonaro expressed her deepest regards to Malta and the Maltese people, stating that her family has truly come to think of Malta as their home. She also expressed thanks to the Government of Malta.

“The past three and a half years have brought a strengthening of the relationship between our two countries. Historical agreements such as the Double Taxation Agreement and the Visa Waiver Program have led to a better relationship that will continue to develop increased commercial trade and investment and cooperation on mutually important issues.”

The Embassy said that some of the highlights during Ambassador Bordonaro’s term, in addition to the Double Taxation Agreement and the US Visa Waiver Program, included the permanent Refugee Resettlement Program of irregular migrants to the United States; helping to launch Malta’s state of art Search and Rescue Training Center; funding the construction of a new Customs warehouse at the Freeport; assisting the University of Malta to establish greater links with the US including two new joint degree programs with US universities; expanding the Embassy’s commercial section to focus on expanding US trade and investment in Malta; contributing to the creation of a new Ta’ Qali Adventure Park for families; and increasing cooperation on Mediterranean security issues through additional training and agreements with the Government and Armed Forces of Malta.

The ambassador's term also saw the embassy concluding plans and starting the construction of a new embassy building at Ta' Qali.

Mrs Bordonaro said she intended to return to Malta often.

Following Ambassador Bordonaro’s departure, Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Davis will become the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires.