joint Search and Rescue exercise between Armed Forces of Malta and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter
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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas before the joint exercise Full Size |
On August 14, students of the Armed Forces of Malta’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Training Center conducted a simulation search and rescue exercise on board the United States Coast Guard Cutter Dallas. The AFM’s Maritime Squadron and Air Wing also participated in the exercise. The students graduated from the SAR Training Center’s four-week search and rescue training course earlier in the week, and were presented graduation certificates by Brigadier Carmelo Vassallo and Ambassador Molly Bordonaro during a ceremony held at the AFM Headquarters. During the graduation ceremony, Ambassador Bordonaro emphasized the importance of the training in building a network of Search and Rescue professionals that rely on each other to help persons in distress at sea.
Ambassador Bordonaro hosts refugees being resettled in the U.S.
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Ambassador Bordonaro in the middle with the group of over 60 refugees. Full Size |
On August 13, Ambassador Molly Bordonaro hosted a reception for a group of over 60 refugees, mainly Eritreans and Somalis, who will soon depart Malta for resettlement in the United States. In her comments to the group, Ambassador Bordonaro spoke about the opportunities that await each of the refugees as they seek to fulfill their own American dreams and embark on the path toward becoming U.S. citizens. The Ambassador also praised the cooperative partnership between the Government of Malta, the Emigrants Commission, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Office of Migration, and several local non-governmental organizations, all of whom contribute to the success of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program in Malta.
U.S.-Malta Double Taxation Agreement Signed
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Ambassador Bordonaro and Minister Tonio Fenech shake hands after the signing as Prime Minister Gonzi looks on. Full Size |
On August 8, Ambassador Molly Bordonaro and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech signed the U.S.-Malta income tax treaty, also known as the double taxation agreement. Government officials, members of the American-Maltese Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of local businesses with U.S. interests were present to celebrate the signing of the agreement, which will significantly encourage increased bilateral investment. Speaking before the signing, Ambassador Bordonaro said that the agreement “will further expand opportunities for both Americans and Maltese alike by eliminating specific types of double taxation between our two countries and thereby broadening access to both marketplaces.” The treaty must now be ratified by the U.S. Senate before it will come into effect.
U.S. Embassy participates in Valletta festival
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Volunteers from the Embassy hand out cookies and American wine in Valletta. Full Size |
On August 1, the U.S. Embassy organized a very popular “American Cuisine” booth in Valletta’s Freedom Square as part of the annual Streets Alive Festival. The booth was staffed by volunteers from the Embassy, who distributed home-made cookies and brownies, as well as a selection of locally-available American beers and wines. Several hundred people visited the booth during the course of the event.
