The term of office of the popular US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro ends on February 6 although she plans to return to Malta often.

Mrs Bordonaro expressed her deepest regards for Malta and the Maltese people, adding that her family had truly come to think of Malta as their home.

"The past three and a half years have brought a strengthening of the relationship between our two countries," she said.

She emphasised that historical agreements such as the double taxation accord and the visa waiver programme led to a better relationship that will continue to develop increased commercial trade and investment and also boost cooperation on issues important to both countries.

Mrs Bordonaro was instrumental in setting up the permanent refugee resettlement programme of irregular migrants to the US and assisting in the launch of Malta's state-of-the-art search and rescue training centre. She also secured US funding for the construction of a new Customs warehouse at the Freeport and assisted the University of Malta to establish links with US institutions.

Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Davis will become Chargé d'Affaires on Mrs Bordonaro's departure.