Slovakia’s National Day was celebrated with a vocal and piano concert, followed by a reception at the Casino Maltese, Valletta.
This was a very significant occasion, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the independent republic.
State Secretary of the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry, Peter Javorcik, was in Malta for the event.
Guests were enchanted by the performances of soprano Maria Porubcinova and pianist Robert Pechanec, brought to Malta for the occasion.
Mr Javorcik and President George Abela delivered speeches and proposed toasts.
Honorary Consul of Slovakia in Malta Godwin Bencini was then awarded the National Order of Merit of the Slovak Republic for significant contributions in promoting Slovakia. Mr Javorcik, representing Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic, presented Mr Bencini with a medal.
Slovak Ambassador Maria Krasnohorska, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Miroslav Lajcak, then presented Mr Bencini with the award.