Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg got quite the surprise whilst New York, with the city’s community of Maltese people singing him happy birthday during his visit the Maltese Center in Astoria, Queens.
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Malta served as United Nations Security Council President during the month of February, with Malta chairing various meetings and briefings on issues such as UN-EU relations and the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Ukraine on the agenda on the month of commemoration of one year since Russia first attacked Ukraine.
On Friday 24th February, Borg and the rest of the Maltese delegation visited the Maltese Center in Astoria, Queens, receiving a warm welcome and a heaping serving of Maltese hospitality which makes you forget you are on the other side of the world. Towards the end of the event, everyone in attendance gathered around a snooker table completely covered with food to sing the minister a happy birthday.
With pastizzi & Kinnie on offer, together with a hoard of Maltese memorabilia all around the Maltese Center, this Maltese oasis on the East Coast is reminiscent of a Maltese każin. The community is made up of Maltese people who migrated towards the United States in the late ’70s and ’80s to form a new life whilst still paying homage to their Mediterranean roots.
So, if you’re ever in New York, make sure you visit the Maltese Center in Astoria, a little slice of Malta with boċċi, tombla, traditional food, drink and Maltese-speaking New Yorkers!
#MaltaDaily