German President Joachim Gauck said this evening that the Playmobil figures found in many children's bedrooms across Europe were a 'lovely symbol' of the excellent relations between Malta and Germany.
Mr Gauck was speaking at a state dinner a few hours after starting a visit to Malta.
The President said 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Germany had been a success story.
"However, nor do I want to forget that only a lifetime ago there was war in Europe – a war started by the Germans. The Maltese people suffered as a result of the blockade and bombardment by Germany and its allies. I am therefore all the more grateful for the friendship between Malta and Germany today."
Malta and Germany were now closely linked in Europe and they took the same view of the key issues of European policy – especially on stabilising the euro zone, economic growth and job creation.
"At present we are faced above all with this question: how can we better live up to our shared European responsibility towards those seeking refuge from persecution and suffering who are crossing the Mediterranean to Europe?"
Malta, he said, enjoyed a good reputation an an investment destination.
"For some enterprises, it is a tried and trusted manufacturing location. A lovely symbol of Maltese-German relations can be found in many children’s bedrooms in Europe – in the form of popular plastic figures. The German toy manufacturer Playmobil has had a production site in Malta for forty years and is a major employer in this country."
President Gauck said he was aware of Malta’s interest in the dual system of vocational training in Germany – which some of these companies have already put into practice here in Malta. Germany, he said, was very happy to share its experience in this field.
FOCUS ON MIGRATION
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed concern that the Mediterranean Sea had become a graveyard for thousands of people.
"I must honour and show my respect to the Unknown Migrant, who not only lost his life but also his identity.
"The life of every individual is valuable and therefore we cannot refrain from voicing our concern or be spectators, in the face of persecution, injustices and inequalities that have become an everyday occurrence.
"I state clearly that Europe and the international community are not doing enough to ensure that the people who are fleeing from war and persecution do not lose their life."
"Unfortunately, the decisions taken by Europe during these last days to address these tragedies and the loss of hundreds of lives, including families with children, are too few to have the desired effect. It is the time to act much more effectively, when the fundamental rights to life is threatened, if human lives are to be saved."
The President said there was a need for the European Union, and for the entire community, to join forces and to address the exodus of entire populations from their countries.
Malta’s calling, she said, was to facilitate dialogue among nations. It would be an excellent opportunity if Germany in the heart of Europe, and Malta in the heart of the Mediterranean, worked in unity to bring about dialogue between Europeans, but also with peoples of Africa and beyond.
President Coleiro-Preca also noted how both Germany and Malta are working towards social inclusion and awareness of diversity. She looked forward to continuing to build on the cooperation between both countries towards social inclusion, rights, tolerance and social justice.