President and Mrs Abela are hosting Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat and their spouses for lunch at San Anton.

Both Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat congratulated Dr Abela for his inaugural speech with Dr Gonzi saying that Dr Abela had touched upon the values that formed part of Maltese society.

Dr Abela thanked Dr Gonzi especially since his nomination was the Prime Minister's initiative and said that now that the seed was sown, it had to start being cultivated.

The President said that Dr Muscat was also responsible for the seed of unity that was sown and everyone now had the responsibility to help the seed of unity grow.

Dr Muscat said he truly believed that Dr Abela was the President of all Maltese and Gozitans.

On the menu is risotto with funghi porcini for starters, meat and fish for the main course and a hazelnut meringue with fresh strawberries for dessert.

President Abela is this afternoon due to pay a visit to President Emeritus Censu Tabone, who could not be present for this morning's inauguration.