Queen Elizabeth and US President Barack Obama have both written to outgoing President George Abela to wish him well.

In her letter, Queen Elizabeth thanked Mr Abela for his commitment to the strong ties between the UK and Malta.

In the letter, presented to by British High Commissioner Rob Luke, the Queen expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome extended to The Duke of Gloucester when he visited Malta on her behalf in 2012 and for his support for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Malta.

She said she knew that both the President and Mrs Abela were also particularly active in support of charitable causes, including during their private visits to the UK to visit Maltese patients undergoing medical treatment.

"We send our warmest good wishes to you and your family for the future."

Mr Obama said that over the past five years, the Maltese were well served by Dr Abela's leadership.

"I am grateful that since you took office, the already strong partnership between our nations has deepened through our close cooperation"

Mr Obama said Malta had long offered assistance to people in need, as evidenced most recently by its decision to open its harbours to those seeking shelter from violence in Libya.

"Today our nations continue to work side by side to secure a more prosperous and democratic future for North African countries in transition.

"Thank you for your steadfast partnership, and please accept my best wishes for the next phase of your journey."

The Queen's letter can be read in the pdf link below.