'China-Malta relations have been developing smoothly on every front in spite of the far distance and the difference in each other's history and culture', the new Chinese Ambassador to Malta Mr. Cai Jinbiao commented on reviewing 40 years of diplomatic relations when presenting his credentials to H.E. Dr. George Abela, the President of Malta, at the Palace in Valletta, on 29th March, 2012.

Conveying the warm greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Hu Jintao to President Abela, Ambassador Cai expressed his satisfaction on the achievements in bilateral relations. He emphasized the new opportunities ushering in between the two countries with China's 12th five-year plan gone into full implementation and furthering opening-up and reform. Ambassador Cai promised in his tour of duties to further exploring the potential of cooperation to the benefit of the two countries and peoples.

President Abela welcomed Ambassador Cai to Malta and reciprocated to President Hu's greetings with appreciation. Echoing the comments Ambassador Cai made on the bilateral relations, President Abela stressed that the strong and amicable sentiments between Malta and China has deeply rooted in the hearts of the Maltese people. President Abela augured with joint efforts during Ambassador Cai's tenure Malta-China relations shall continue to flourish and be uplifted.

The President and Mrs. Margaret Abela later hosted an official luncheon in honour of Ambassador Cai and other two newly accredited Ambassadors of Thailand and Norway at San Anton Palace, Attard.

Ambassador Cai Jinbiao arrived at Valletta on 19th March. He served as Ambassador to Fiji between 2004 and 2008 and was Vice President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs before taking the current post.