A council for Maltese people living abroad made up of representatives of Maltese communities as well as experts in the field of migration, was officially launched today by Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg.

The council is the official vehicle of communication and representation of Maltese living abroad from Australia to America, UK and other countries in the European Union. It will work to promote the communities in their country of residence, their ties to Malta, the preservation of culture and language and integration in the country of adoption.

The council was set up in 2011 with the approval of the House of Representatives.

Some of the aims of the Council will be to get more scholarships and aides to Maltese language teachers and students; increase the knowledge on the history of migration in Malta.

“We need to highlight the fact that the idea of migration has ended and is now replaced by the concept of a Maltese generation that lives both in Malta and abroad,” said Minister Borg, who is the council's president.

"We need to leave this building convinced that with our divergences in character, personality and beliefs and positions, we will make a success out of this council,” he urged the members.

The Council will also strive to set up a Maltese Cultural Institute – an effort much lauded by Tourism Minister Mario Demarco, also present at the meeting: “This will be crucial in the promotion of Maltese culture outside our shores as well as in intercultural and diplomatic strengthening.”