Malta and Japan Mark 60 Years of Diplomacy at Expo 2025 Malta Day Celebration

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan during Malta Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The event celebrated the strong ties between the two countries while looking ahead to future collaboration.

Dr Borg described the theme of the Malta Pavilion, Catch the Wave, Catch the Opportunity, as a symbol of the ongoing momentum between the two nations.

“Like waves that travel between our shores, Malta and Japan move forward together, embracing innovation, resilience and peaceful development,” he said.

He highlighted the 2024 opening of the Japanese Embassy in Malta as a key moment in a relationship built on shared values.

Dr Borg also noted the importance of free trade, with Malta’s export of bluefin tuna to Japan demonstrating trust and success in bilateral trade.

Looking ahead, he identified green energy, digital technologies and life sciences as key areas for cooperation. Malta’s Vision 2050, with its focus on sustainability and the Blue Economy, aligns with Japan’s own future goals.

The new working holiday visa agreement and an academic partnership between Malta’s Institute for Tourism Studies and Kobe International University were also praised.

Malta Day was also addressed by Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisayuki Fujii. The Maltese delegation included Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, as well as Ambassador Andre Spiteri and other officials.

The event concluded with performances by Joseph Calleja, Destiny Chukunyere, Mari Moriya and Tomoko Nakayama.

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