Chinese Vice-President presents grant to Malta

Malta was granted €580,000 yesterday to buy Chinese products and services as a token of China's appreciation of the good relations between the two countries.

The mega voucher was presented to the Prime Minister by Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping during the signing of five cooperation agreements on law and order, commerce and culture.

Mr Jinping, who yesterday concluded a two-day official visit, signed the agreements at Castille.

Lawrence Gonzi said strengthening Malta's cooperation with China is one of the government's main foreign policy goals.

During a state lunch, Dr Gonzi described an agreement facilitating business and trade flows between Maltese and Chinese investors in both countries as key.

He also referred to an agreement with the University of Malta to open a Confucius Institute, saying this was another milestone in cultural cooperation which will improve the understanding and friendship between the two countries.

A similar number of other agreements should be completed this year, he said. Earlier, Mr Xi was saluted by the Armed Forces of Malta at the AFM Barracks in Luqa.