Former Russian ambassador returns as deputy PM

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, expressed her happiness at returning to Malta yesterday - she was the Soviet Union and Russian Federation`s ambassador here for three years between 1991 and 1994.

She told President Guido de Marco, whom she met at the Palace yesterday, that Russia viewed Malta as "a friend and a partner", and that Russia was interested in strengthening and broadening its economic, cultural and social relations with Malta, which was the purpose of her visit.

Ms Matvienko described Prof. de Marco as a "reliable friend", who contributed significantly to the good relations between the two countries. She was grateful for Prof. de Marco`s assistance when she was ambassador in Malta at a difficult period, despite which he succeeded in not only preserving good relations, but also developing them further.

Prof. de Marco returned the compliments, saying that the last ambassador of the Soviet Union and the first of the Russian Federation, Ms Matvienko, had managed to ensure good relations between the countries through her diplomatic skills even in difficult times.

He said Malta valued its friendship with the Russian Federation, believing that Russia`s role has increased in the world.

"In a multi-polar world which we hope will emerge, the global responsibilities of big countries like the Russian Federation are important for world peace," he said.

Russia`s close links with Nato showed sceptics that "the Cold War is behind us".

"More needs to be done on the economic, trade and cultural fronts and it will be," he said.

Ms Matvienko was also ambassador to Greece between 1997 and 1998, following which she was appointed deputy chairman of the government of the Russian Federation - a post she retains to date.

Born in 1949, Ms Matvienko studied at the Leningrad Chemical and Pharmaceutical Institute and the Social Sciences Academy. She is married, with one son, and has been decorated with a number of state awards.

Today, Ms Matvienko is meeting Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Borg, Finance Minister John Dalli and Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi, with whom she will discuss mutual cooperation.

Ms Matvienko`s programme also includes a tour of St John`s Co-Cathedral, Mdina and the Hypogeum tomorrow. She leaves Malta on Sunday.