US embassy marks 250 years since United States' founding

The US Embassy in Malta has celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. 

The event yesterday was attended by Malta’s president Myriam Spiteri Debono, Maltese government officials, business leaders, academics, cultural figures and other invited guests. 

Speaking at the reception, US Ambassador Somers Farkas said: “As we celebrate Freedom 250, we do so not only by reflecting on our history, but also by investing in our future”. 

In a statement, the embassy pointed to Malta’s signing last month of the Artemis Accords, an international agreement governing the civil exploration and use of outer space, and the recent AI literacy deal signed between the government and Microsoft and OpenAI.

The embassy also mentioned the commencement of direct flights between Malta and New York, Malta’s joining an international maritime registry designed to combat illegalities such as sanctions avoidance and the establishment of the Friends of Malta Congressional Caucus.

“New professional, educational and cultural collaborations are all testament to what the two nations can achieve together”, the statement read.

Farkas said US President Donald Trump’s leadership was “advancing a results-driven approach to diplomacy that strengthens security, expands economic opportunity, promotes innovation, and builds partnerships that benefit both Americans and our friends around the world”.

American diplomacy continues to advance freedom, prosperity, and innovation around the world, US Ambassador Somers Farkas said. Photo: US Embassy.

“We acknowledge the role American diplomacy has played, and continues to play, in advancing freedom, prosperity, and innovation around the world”, she said, while reaffirming her country’s “commitment to the American story - a story that will help define the next chapter of our shared future and enduring friendship with Malta”.

The ambassador thanked those present, as well as local individuals and commercial sponsors who supported the reception.

Malta’s president expressed her gratitude for the progress made in bilateral cooperation over the past year, while emphasising the shared commitment of both governments to addressing global challenges.

Wednesday’s reception featured national anthems performed by former Malta Eurovision singer Sarah Bonnici and American vocalist Mariela Palencia, a joint US-Malta armed forces honour guard, and musical entertainment by Bonnici and Elvis tribute performer Josuel Grech.

Excerpts from American musical Grease were performed by Masquerade Malta, while local car enthusiasts displayed a collection of classic American cars.

“The US-Malta relationship runs deep. Maltese sailors and Knights of Malta stood alongside resolute American forces during the Revolutionary War, and Maltese ports provided the young republic with safe harbour for American ships during the Barbary Coast War,” the US embassy said in its statement.

“We also stood side by side in our fight to safeguard freedom and liberty in Europe during World War II. That long-standing friendship continues to flourish today through robust security and law enforcement cooperation, landmark commercial ties, and bold innovation partnerships.”