Works on preparing sections of the Palace in Valletta to host EU ministerial meetings during Malta's presidency of the EU council are being wrapped up.

The focus of the work has been on the former parliament chamber (originally the armoury) which has been converted into a large conference hall. 

The works were carried out by workers of the Infrastructure Ministry and the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation.

Restoration of the facades of the palace was completed earlier this year.  

The furniture of the former parliament has been stored for possible future use. The works on the hall included a new electrical and sound system, air conditioning, translation facilities and furniture.  

Other works were carried out at the parliamentary archives, the main courtyard, the corridors and various offices.

The total project cost exceeded €5 million.

Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi inspected the works this afternoon with corporation chairman Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.