Ambassador of Malta to Egypt visits the historic port cities of Northeast Egypt
12/03/2025
On 25-27 February, H.E. Mr. Roberto Pace, Ambassador of Malta to Egypt, visited Egypt’s historic port cities of Damietta, Suez and Port Said. The aim of this tour was to explore further commercial, touristic and cultural opportunities between Malta and Egypt as well as improve on the already-excellent collaboration in these sectors. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the Maltese diaspora that once lived in these cities and for the Ambassador to meet with Maltese who are living or currently working there.
25th February – Damietta
Amb. Pace started his tour in Damietta, one of Egypt’s foremost naval bases and a vital hub for agriculture and energy. Furthermore, the city is also home to Egypt’s best carpenters and furniture producers, which export worldwide. Amb. Pace was welcomed by Dr. Ayman El-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta, who provided an overview of Damietta’s history and with whom he discussed potential economic and touristic collaboration between Malta and Egypt.
Amb. Pace then proceeded to the University of Damietta, where he was invited by Dr. Hamdan Rabie El-Metwally, the University’s President, and who gave him a tour of the premises. While at the university, Amb. Pace attended a public lecture on the protection of artefacts and antiquities by Dr. Zahi Hawass, a Damietta native and one of Egypt’s foremost archaeologists and Egyptologists who also served as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (2011).
Amb. Pace concluded his day with a meeting with Eng. Mahmoud Bakir and Mr. Gordon Vella, Country Manager and Operations Manager respectively, of MedServ Regis, a company operating in Egypt, that started in Malta and provides offshore and onshore logistics services for the energy industry.
26th February – Port Said
On the second day, Amb. Pace was received by Maj. Gen. Moheb Habashi Khalil, Governor of Port Said, a city established in 1859 during the building of the Suez Canal. Discussions focused on maritime, tourism and trade cooperation. Amb. Pace also touched upon the Maltese community, that in the past was more numerous in Port Said.
Amb. Pace then visited the Church of Saint Eugénie, where he met with the Franciscan friars who meticulously take care of the birth, marriage and death records of the Maltese diasporas of Port Said, Port Fouad and Ismailia. While there, Amb. Pace also met with Ms. Susy Vella, the last known Maltese living in Port Said, and whose grandparents emigrated to Egypt during the early 20th century. Amb. Pace also paid his respects to the Maltese buried at the Catholic cemetery of Port Said, including the ancestors of the same Ms. Vella.
The day ended with a courtesy call with Mr. Stephen Forster, a Maltese who is currently stationed in Port Said, where he works with a prominent energy company present in the port city.
27th February – Suez
On his final day, Amb. Pace was welcomed by Prof. Abdallah Ramadan, Deputy Governor of Suez, with whom he discussed Malta’s historic links with Suez and explored how to further economic opportunities between Malta and Egypt in the maritime sector.
Amb. Pace, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, then continued to the Commonwealth War Graves Memorial of Suez, where he laid a wreath in memory of two known Maltese soldiers fallen during the 2nd Battle of El Alamein, Gunner J. Ghirxi and Petty Officer F.J. Rizzo.
Amb. Pace concluded his visit with a tour of the Immaculate Conception church of Suez, where he was welcomed by the Franciscan friars who retain priceless birth, marriage and death records of the Maltese community that once formed part of the fabric of this history port city.
Throughout the visit, Amb. Pace was accompanied by Mr. Pascoe Grima, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul and Mr. Nadim Kanawati, from the Embassy.
