Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca has thanked the people as she prepares to end her presidency on Thursday.
"It has been my honour and privilege to have had this opportunity to be able to share with you, as one of you, these past five years as President of the Republic of Malta," she said in a message.
"Throughout that time, I have worked hard to uphold my constitutional duties, because I believe that democracy is the best means that we have, in today’s world, to celebrate human dignity and to safeguard the observance of human rights and peace, in our communities and in Maltese society.
"Serving as your President has been a privilege, and I am grateful to the representatives of the people through Parliament, where for the first time the nomination of President of Malta was reached through unanimous agreement, both by government and opposition, not-with-standing my coming from the government benches.
I hope this consensus will continue for my successors
"I hope this consensus will continue for my successors, because the President of our nation should have no party but should serve the people, with loyalty and with a conscience that goes beyond any desire for popularity."
The President thanked the government and opposition for having received her criticisms with respect and accepted a number of her proposals and suggestions.
"Above all, I wish to thank the entire people of Malta and Gozo for the respect and support they have given me. My gratitude also goes to those among us who have criticised me, perhaps at times in haste and with lack of forethought, because I have learnt from the experience.
"I learnt from everyone, especially when I spent time among you. I learnt from our children and young people. I learned most keenly about how we are capable and competent in our capacity as individuals, but far more capable when we are united, and mindful of one another."
President Coleiro Preca said she could see how the people of Malta have the ability to be unique.
"We have the ability to ensure that nobody feels isolated. We have the ability to strengthen unity, and moreover, to nurture peace among the nations.
"Our children want us to be united, and they want Malta to be a country in which nobody is made to suffer or to feel excluded. Our children want us to respect one another. Our children do not want conflict, rather, they want our country to welcome them and give them peace of mind."
She urged young people to be their country's activists in favour of inclusion.
She also expressed her best wishes for her successor, George Vella.
She said she would continue to do her part to promote sustainable peace, inclusive prosperity, and holistic wellbeing.