Head of EU military staff on Malta visit

Lieutenant General David Leakey, Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), is on a three day visit to Malta as guest of the Armed Forces of Malta.

His father, Major General Rea Leakey served in Malta as commander of British troops in Malta and Libya between February 1967 to November 1967 and General Leakey lived here for some time.

General Leakey today had talks with senior officers and staff at Headquarters AFM and later laid a wreath at the cenotaph in Floriana.

During a visit to Luqa barracks, Lieutenant General Leakey visited the Officers' Mess, where he had the opportunity to see his father's service dress uniform which was presented to the Royal Malta Artillery before his departure. The uniform was up to recently on display at the War Museum at Fort St. Elmo. He also followed a series of demonstrations and evolutions at Lyster Barracks, Hal Far by 1st Regiment's 'C' (Special Duties) Company.

Speaking to the Maltese troops, he fondly recalled his teenage period in Malta, remarking that since then he had forgotten whatever Maltese he had learnt during his 18 months here. He went on to compliment the AFM soldiers for their professionalism and dedication to duty, wishing them success in their future ventures locally and under the EU's flag.

General Leakey, accompanied by Commander AFM - Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb, also met the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Cecilia Attard-Pirotta.

He will this evening deliver a lecture at the University of Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, on 'The importance of Common Security and Defence Policy - crisis management operations and security challenges'.

He will visit the AFM's Maritime Squadron tomorrow.