The Government has appointed three ambassadors to new posts.

Ambassador Daniel Azzopardi, currently Malta’s Permanent Representative to the EU, will be nominated for the role of Malta’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain. “Malta’s relations with Spain were significantly strengthened over the past years,” the Government said in a statement.

Ambassador Vanni Xuereb, currently Malta’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and previously the Head of Malta’s EU Steering Action Committee will be nominated for the role of Malta’s Ambassador to Germany.

Ambassador Marlene Bonnici, currently Malta’s Ambassador to Germany and who served as Permanent Representative to the EU between 2012 and 2018, will return to her former role in Malta’s Permanent Representation in Brussels. Ambassador Bonnici is one of Malta’s longest serving diplomats and a senior public servant having previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

With regard to articles in the local media, the Government recalls that it is customary and a normal practice for ambassadors to be rotated, especially when there is a new administration.

This was said with reference to reports of Mr Daniel Azzopardi being removed as Malta ‘s Permanent Representative to the EU, with sources saying that the Government found his work to be unsatisfactory.

“The Government of Malta would also like to thank all three ambassadors for their sterling work, their respective contributions and their commitment.”