Joseph Muscat described developments in Syria and Libya over the last few days as a “ray of light” and called for Malta to continue in its role as a point of dialogue and cooperation in the region.

The Prime Minister addressed a small crowd in de Valette Square in Valletta yesterday evening during the annual Milied Flimkien (Christmas Together), alongside the President, the Opposition leader and the Archbishop.

Dr Muscat said the issue of migration could not be forgotten simply because the numbers reaching Malta had diminished this year.

“Most of these people are fleeing wars in their home countries, so the events of the last few days should fill us with happiness and hope,” he said, referring to an agreement this week on a unity government in Libya and a crucial UN Security Council resolution on the conflict in Syria.

In his address, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil expressed solidarity with the Saint James Hospital manager who was abducted in Libya, as well as workers at De La Rue currently facing uncertainty due to redundancies, and the family of a man who lost his life in a Rabat quarry earlier in the day.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca drew attention to the plight of children spending Christmas in residential homes, as well as those whose parents had passed away or were in prison.

She also commended local parishes and organisations organising meals for the elderly and others who felt isolated or alone.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Charles Scicluna called for “words of kindness and love” to replace hatred and divisive acts in social discourse. “The acts of terror in recent weeks have filled us all with a sense of fear, so it is all the more important for us to remember Christ’s message of love and mercy at this time of year,” he said.