Lawrence Gonzi welcomed Joseph Muscat at PN headquarters this afternoon and told him that Flimkien kollox possibli and they could have a bidu gdid - thus combining the two parties' electoral slogans.

Dr Muscat is visiting PN headquarters accompanied by MLP president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and general secretary Jason Micallef.

Congratulating Dr Muscat on his appointment as MLP leader, Dr Gonzi said he appreciated that Dr Muscat was assuming a huge responsibility to lead his party and serve the people. He also paid tribute to Alfred Sant, who, from today will not lead the opposition in Parliament. Dr Gonzi looked forward to working with Dr Muscat on national issues and, with a smile, referred to the slogans of the two parties, He said that together they could turn challeges into opportunities.

Dr Muscat said he would like to think of Dr Gonzi and himself as two people working on the same theme, which was Malta. While they would not be agreeing on certain issues he too looked forward to working together on matters affecting the national interest. He insisted that politics should be based on argument and mutual respect, without personal attacks. He said he would soon issue a code of ethics for the MLP media.

Both Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat also expressed best wishes to President Fenech Adami, who is recovering after a heart procedure.

The two leaders then held talks in Dr Gonzi's office.