On 19 September 2025, the Consulate General of Malta in Casablanca hosted a reception to mark the 61st anniversary of Malta’s Independence and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco. This was the first such event organized in Morocco by the Consulate General.

The celebration was held at Dar El Kaid Restaurant, a historic landmark in the heart of Casablanca’s Casbah, formerly serving as both a Synagogue and the residence of the local Governor. The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Rabat and Casablanca, local dignitaries, and prominent business representatives.

In his address, Non-Resident Ambassador H.E. Paul Mifsud highlighted the strengthening of the already excellent bilateral relations between Malta and Morocco, while acknowledging that much more can be done to create new and mutually beneficial opportunities. Ambassador Mifsud emphasized that both countries share a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect within multilateral and regional fora. He further underlined that the opening of the Consulate General in Casablanca represents a milestone, enabling more direct engagement with Malta, its institutions, and its culture and thanked both Mr Jerome Spiteri, the former Consul and Mr Vassallo for their different but complimentary efforts to strengthen Malta’s presence in Morocco.

Consul General Mr Ivan Vassallo underlined that the role of the Consulate General extends beyond visa administration and the handling of consular emergencies. He emphasized the growing cultural dimension of the Consulate’s work, citing Malta’s participation in the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Collaboration with ENCG and the Faculty of Arts in Beni M’Sik and the presence of a Maltese jury member at the Casablanca University Film Festival. On this occasion, Mr Vassallo also expressed gratitude to the sponsors whose support contributed to the successful outcome of the celebration, including Hon. Consul Jalil Madih, the hosts at Dar El Kaid, Techniplus, VFS Global, the MCPA Office, Ms Joan Agius, and Ms Dounia Borg.

The event also included a cultural dimension. Guests enjoyed a programme of Maltese songs, including Xemx and L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel, performed by baritone Dr Joseph Lia, accompanied by local pianist Mr Aziz. Together, they also played the national anthems of Malta and Morocco, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.

On the previous day, 18 September, Non-Resident Ambassador H.E. Paul Mifsud and Consul General Vassallo held bilateral meetings with the Protocol and European Directorates of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as with the recently appointed Head of the European Union Delegation, H.E. Dimiter Tzantchev. They also had the honour of paying a courtesy visit to the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Mons. Alfred Xuereb who is also a Maltese citizen.