DHAKA: The 51st anniversary of the independence of Malta was celebrated by the honorary consulate of Malta in Dhaka on the eve of September 19.

On that special occasion high commissioner of Malta to Bangladesh John Aquilina, consul of Malta to Dhaka, M Shoeb Chowdhury and his spouse Dr Chowdhury hosted a gala reception at the Lakeshore Hotel in city.

Head of delegation European Union, ministers, parliament members, politicians, businessmen, media representatives, academicians, high government officials and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the function.

In his address, the high commissioner John Aquilina said that Malta is a small country but it has rich history and culture.

“We are inviting international tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of Malta.”

Consul M Shoeb Chowdhury referred to the excellent relations that exist between Malta and Bangladesh and conveyed the greetings of the President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and prime minister Dr Joseph Muscat to all the guests present.

Chowdhury invited all guest to visit Valletta as it prepares itself to become the European cultural capital in 2018.

Bangladesh liberation war affairs minister AKM Mozammel Huq expressed desire to visit Malta.

At the end of this session national anthems of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of Malta were played.

The celebration came to an end when John Aquilina, M Shoeb Chowdhury and Mrs Chowdhury cut a cake along with AKM Mozammel Huq and former information secretary and founder chairman of BTRC Syed Marghub Murshed.

BDST: 2134 HRS, SEPT 22, 2015
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