EP President to address House of Representatives

European Parliament (EP) President Jerzy Buzek will be addressing the Maltese Parliament on 29 November 2010 following an inviation by Maltese Speaker Michael Frendo to address the Maltese House of Representatives.

In a letter sent to Frendo nine days ago on 1 July 2010 but which has only been published by the Speaker’s office now, the EP President explained how he was “delighted” to accept Frendo’s invitation to officially visit Malta and address the Maltese Parliament.

“I look forward to being with you on this occasion very much indeed,” Buzek told Frendo in his letter.

The EP President explained how he considered his visit to Malta as “a great opportunity to discuss new rights for National Parliaments under the Lisbon Treaty so as to enhance relations between our institutions for a future common and fruitful work”.

Buzek added how he was “aware of the importance of conveying a message of proximity from the European Parliament to Maltese citizens” in a country which was at the geographical periphery of the Union.

At the same time, the EP President said he believed that Malta, because of its important geo-political position, had “a crucial role in contributing actively to the development of future policies and international relations of the European Union”.

On his part, Frendo hailed this visit as “an important visit for the Maltese Parliament and for Malta” which would continue strengthening Malta’s role in the EU.

At the same time, Buzek’s visit would also approach further “our Parliament and the European Parliament,” Frendo added.