Ambassadors and consuls representing their countries in Malta this morning exchanged New Year greetings with President George Abela and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The group of diplomats also paid a visit to Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat.

During the meetings they discussed various issues that included the turmoil in the Middle East and sub Saharan Africa, the relationship between countries in the Mediterranean and the state of the global economy.

They also spoke about climate change and the role of the European Union in maintaining peace and stability.

Dr Gonzi again met the Diplomatic Corps at the Nationalist Party headquarters for drinks in the afternoon.

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat told the ambassadors that a new Labour government would appoint someone to be responsible solely from European affairs and prepare for Malta's EU presidency in 2017.

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