“The close relationship that has developed between China and Malta over the years goes to show that friendship between countries can be established and grow strong irrespective of their size,” said Minister for Finance, Prof. Edward Scicluna.

He was speaking during a wreath-laying ceremony that was held at the Maria Addolorata cemetery to pay tribute to Xu Huizhong and Gu Yanzhao, two Chinese engineers who lost their lives during the construction of Dry Dock No 6 in 1979. The ceremony marked China’s Memorial Day, also known as Martyrs Day, which was first celebrated last year.

Chinese ambassador to Malta, Mr Cai Jinbiao, described the occasion as an opportunity to recognise the contribution these two workers made towards the forging of a closer relationship between the two countries. He said that Dock 6 has had an important role in the island’s social and economic development.

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Also present for the commemoration were the President of the Malta-China Friendship Society, Mr Reno Calleja, the President of the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chev. Maurice Mizzi, as well as members of the Chinese embassy and of the Chinese community in Malta.

– Wednesday, 30th September, 2015