250 years of American independence and a deep US–Malta partnership

Somers Farkas  is the US Ambassador to Malta 

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, on 4 July 2026, the United States commemorated the 250 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Freedom 250 is a time for Americans worldwide to reflect on their love for American history and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation to keep our nation excelling. It is also a time to reflect on the ideals of 13 small colonies that shaped the world—“government of the people, by the people, for the people”—and the role American diplomacy has played in advancing freedom, prosperity, and innovation around the world.  (President Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States). 

Our nation’s bilateral relationship with Malta is rooted in a long history of friendship and cooperation, dating back to America’s fight for independence.  During the Revolutionary War, nearly 2,000 brave Maltese soldiers and Knights of Malta fought alongside resolute American patriots. Maltese ports provided safe harbour and supplies to American ships, aiding our nascent nation’s fight for freedom.   

During World War II, Americans and Maltese together sacrificed, ultimately prevailing, to protect American and Maltese freedoms on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the partnership between the United States and Malta continues to thrive, grounded in robust security cooperation and a mutual commitment to advancing innovation and prosperity in the Mediterranean region and beyond. 

One of the most significant recent milestones in our partnership was Malta’s joining the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), a vital system for strengthening maritime security and countering sanctions evasion.   

Malta is the EU’s largest flag registry; its membership makes RISC even more comprehensive and effective. At a time when we daily witness the exploitation of the commercial maritime sector by countries, organised crime syndicates, armed robbers and hijackers, and confront the risks introduced by this destabilising behaviour, RISC is more important than ever. 

The United States values Malta’s bold leadership in maritime security. Our security cooperation extends well beyond navigation and shipping concerns. The United States and Malta continue to work closely together to defend both our physical and digital borders; law enforcement cooperation has evolved to deliver multifaceted training initiatives to combat financial crimes and transnational cyber fraud, including devastating fraudulent wire and telephone communications and social engineering. 

Innovation is another cornerstone of our partnership. Malta’s signing of the Artemis Accords in May aligned the country with a growing coalition committed to the peaceful and responsible use of outer space. Moreover, US-funded professional and educational exchange programmes continue to build lasting connections between our countries. Malta is home to more than 300 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni and Fulbright partnerships are creating new opportunities for academic collaboration. 

Our economic relationship is also ‘flying’. The launch of direct flights between New York and Malta creates new opportunities for premium tourism, trade, and investment. Business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic exclaim: Malta is open for business. 

To advance the opportunities presented by these developments, I recently met with approximately 100 Maltese business leaders to promote investment in the United States and strengthen bilateral commercial ties. I was also proud to witness the Maltese Government’s visionary landmark partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI, well demonstrating the decisive role of American innovation in advancing economic growth and opportunity through secure, reliable technologies.  

As we celebrate Freedom 250, we do so not only by reflecting on our history, but also by investing in our future. America is led by a great patriot; President Donald J. Trump’s defining leadership is advancing a results-driven approach to diplomacy that strengthens security, expands economic opportunity, promotes innovation, and builds partnerships that benefit both Americans and our friends around the world. In President Donald J. Trump’s own words: “The Story of America, makes everyone free.” This story has always been shaped by resilience, innovation, and optimism. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have guided us since 1776, as well as to our enduring friendship with Malta that will help define the next chapter of our shared future. 

May the holy trinity continue to bless and watch over President Donald J. Trump and our allies. May we, regardless of country of origin, rededicate ourselves to the enduring principles of One Nation Under God.