Recent visitors to Malta from Liverpool told me how impressed they were by the preparations already being made for Valletta’s year as European Capital of Culture. The visitors felt that, for all its heroic past, this could be another amazing landmark in the history of Valletta.

In wishing the city of Valletta every success for its year, I can only say that, as the former leader of Liverpool city council, 2008 was one of the best years of my life. It was one in which the city of Liverpool was transformed physically, culturally and economically.

Furthermore, the Capital of Culture status is a gift that has gone on giving in the sense that the creative and economic resurgence has continued in Liverpool even during the recession. I am sure the same will happen in the case of the Maltese capital.

Allow me to convey my best wishes for a wonderful year as Capital of Culture and all the pleasures and adventures it will bring.