On September 22, 2020, Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended upon invitation the National Day reception marking the 56th anniversary of the independence of Malta held by the Maltese Embassy in China.

In his address, Qin Gang congratulated on the National Day of Malta, and reviewed the good stories of the China-Malta friendly exchanges. He noted, although China and Malta are far apart and different in national condition, our friendship is profound and has been improved over time. Since the beginning of this year, in the face of the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments and peoples of the two countries have worked together and have rendered each other help and support. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that for better or worse, humanity shares a common destiny and future. In the face of severe challenges, the two countries have fully demonstrated the main melody of respect, unity and friendship, and increasingly deepened political mutual trust, which makes it possible for the two countries to share broader prospects for cooperation. China and Malta will usher in the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 2022. The Chinese side is willing to take this opportunity to join hands with the Maltese side to follow the guidance of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and achieve more practical results, so as to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

In his address, Maltese Ambassador to China John Aquilina commended the Chinese government for the achievements in actively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the Chinese side for its precious support in the Maltese side's fight against the pandemic. He congratulated the Chinese side in advance on the 71th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He expressed, Malta is committed to establishing cooperation with Asian countries, especially China, and will play an active role in regional and international affairs in the spirit of security, sustainability and unity.