Australian High Commission, Malta et Ambassade d'Australie en Tunisie

H.E. Matt Skelly welcomed Vanessa McKinney, South Australian Trade Director to the UK and Europe, to talk about bilateral trade, business opportunities and cooperation. It was great to identify new connections between 🇦🇺 and 🇲🇹, building on the existing strong relations between our two nations.

The High Commission will be closed Monday 1st June for an Australian Public Holiday.

For urgent consular assistance, please contact the 24-hour Consular Operation Centre directly on +61 2 6261 3305.

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Each year, National Reconciliation Week is held between 27 May - 3 June inviting all Australians to learn, reflect and take action toward reconciliation together.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 – All In – calls on all of us to commit to reconciliation every day.

Through learning, listening and meaningful action, each of us has a role to play.

Today, High Commissioner Matt Skelly and Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, Dr Maria Elena Despott, were invited to talk at the University of Malta on 'the new epoch' for Australia - EU relations 🇦🇺 🇪🇺.

President von der Leyen's visit to Australia in March 2026 marked a significant step building on the strong relationship between Australia and the EU; with both sharing a commitment to democratic values and a like-minded approach to a broad range of international issues. Three outcomes from the visit reflect significant breakthroughs in the relationship. We welcome the adoption of a new security and defence partnership, the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement, and Australia's intention to commence negotiations with a view to associating from 2027 to Horizon Europe.

Following this visit and Europe Day, H.E. Matt Skelly and Dr Maria Elena Despott presented how these recent agreements reaffirm the strength of the partnership between Australia and the European Union, and their importance in addressing shared global challenges and supporting prosperity and security.

Humanitarian work saves lives. It should never cost humanitarian workers their own.

On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we recognise the courage of the volunteers and staff delivering critical assistance to people in crises around the world. We honour those who have lost their lives while serving communities in their time of greatest need.

Through the Australian-led Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, Australia continues to advocate for stronger protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.

On , the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Malta recognises the vital role journalists play in democracies worldwide. We reaffirm our support for journalists in Malta and around the world.

3 May, , celebrates press freedom around the 🌏. 🇦🇺 joins our MFC partners to support strong and sustainable media sectors. Independent media play a key role in promoting freedom of expression and amplifying diverse views.

Last week, the High Commissioner was invited to join Ian Busuttil Naudi at TVAM in an interview to share information on ANZAC Day in 🇲🇹. It is an honour to hold a service in Malta, a country with not only strong community links to Australia, but also ties to the ANZACs in the Gallipoli campaign, given its role as the 'Nurse of the Mediterranean'.

As this year's service theme focused on engaging youth in commemorative activities, We give thanks to the sea scouts who support our ceremony each year -it is heartening to see younger generations involved in services in Malta, whether attending with their family, as part of a school group, or through participation in the ceremony.

Further to the theme, H.E. Matt Skelly was joined by his nieces, visiting all the way from 🇦🇺, who talked about their participation in the ceremony and the importance of youth involvement.

Watch the full interview on TVMi: https://tvmi.mt/episode/160446

The High Commission will be closed Friday 1st May for a Public Holiday.

For urgent consular assistance, please contact the 24-hour Consular Operation Centre directly on +61 2 6261 3305.