Seasoned diplomat Marlene Bonnici will be taking over the role of Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU following the resignation of Richard Cachia Caruana.

After Ms Bonnici’s appointment was approved by the Cabinet, she was congratulated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Mr Cachia Caruana.

Mr Cachia Caruana handed in his resignation after PN backbencher Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando backed an Opposition motion calling for his resignation last month.

Ms Bonnici expressed her appreciation for the work undertaken by her predecessor. Although his absence was a huge loss for Malta, she said, she was fortunate to be able to continue building on all his good work.

Ms Bonnici, who is married and has a daughter, joined the public service in 1989 as a teacher. She then undertook postgraduate studies in international politics, international trade and finance, international law and diplomatic studies.

In 1992 she joined Malta’s diplomatic service and was posted as first secretary to the Maltese Embassy in Bonn, Germany, and subsequently to the Maltese Embassy in Brussels.

She then worked at the EU directorate within the Foreign Affairs Ministry and was also appointed director of the regional policy directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister.

In 2004, the directorate became the managing authority for Malta’s structural funds. Ms Bonnici headed the authority from 2004 to 2011.

She was appointed permanent secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister with overall responsibility for EU funds.