Côte d’Ivoire–Malta Relations Deepens as Honorary Consul Champions Education, Youth, and Cultural Diplomacy at San Andrea School. By Raymond Enoch
The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire’s diplomatic footprint in Malta took a decisive step forward on 12 December 2025 as H.E. Mrqs. Anthony C. Coleiro, Honorary Consul of Côte d’Ivoire to Malta, led a high-level educational and cultural engagement visit to San Andrea School in L Imselliet, l/o Żebbiegħ. The visit underscored the Consulate’s development-oriented mandate, positioning education and youth engagement as strategic pillars of Côte d’Ivoire–Malta relations.
Welcomed by San Andrea School’s Directorship and senior leadership—led by Director for Education Mr. Stephen Briffa and supported by sector heads and management—His Excellency’s visit unfolded as a working diplomatic exchange rather than a ceremonial call. It reflected the Honorary Consulate’s broader mission: translating cultural diplomacy into practical cooperation that delivers long-term social and developmental impact.
Accompanied by Mr. Giuliano Alarcón, Managing Director of Alarcón International Management S.L. and Continental Director, AEGC | Head for European Business, the Honorary Consul praised San Andrea School’s holistic educational philosophy, noting its strong alignment with Côte d’Ivoire’s priorities in education reform, youth empowerment, and global citizenship.
In a wide-ranging engagement with educators and administrators, Mrqs. Coleiro articulated a forward-looking vision that places schools at the heart of international cooperation. He highlighted the potential for structured academic partnerships between Maltese and Ivorian institutions—spanning student and teacher exchanges, joint academic projects, and collaborative learning in science, technology, mathematics, and languages. Such initiatives, he noted, mirror Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing investments in modernising its education sector and preparing its youth for global competitiveness.
Beyond academics, the Honorary Consul advanced culture and creativity as powerful diplomatic tools. He proposed joint cultural initiatives—from virtual art exhibitions to intercultural creative projects—designed to connect Maltese students with Côte d’Ivoire’s rich artistic heritage and dynamic creative industries. These, he said, would not only broaden horizons but also nurture mutual respect and cultural literacy.
Central to the Consulate’s development mandate, ethical leadership and social responsibility featured prominently. Cooperative programmes on sustainability, climate awareness, community engagement, and social entrepreneurship were identified as vehicles for cultivating empathy, leadership, and responsible citizenship among young learners—values increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.
A key milestone of the visit was the formal presentation of a structured Collaboration Proposal to the School’s Directorship. Facilitated through the Honorary Consulate, the proposal offers a practical roadmap for sustained academic and cultural cooperation, carefully aligned with San Andrea School’s curriculum pillars. According to His Excellency, the framework is designed to move the partnership “from dialogue to delivery” and from shared values to measurable outcomes.
The engagement also opened the door to a broader cooperation platform. Mrqs. Coleiro accepted a role in supporting initiatives that introduce students to diplomacy, international relations, and cultural exchange, while fostering connections with Malta’s tourism and culinary sectors. This integrated approach aims to expose students to real-world applications of diplomacy and international engagement, enriching their educational experience.
In his closing remarks, the Honorary Consul reaffirmed that education remains one of the most effective instruments of diplomacy—building bridges of understanding that outlast political cycles. He expressed confidence that the partnership with San Andrea School would serve as a model for future Côte d’Ivoire–Malta collaborations, particularly in youth-focused development.
As Côte d’Ivoire continues to expand its cultural-diplomatic presence in Europe, the visit to San Andrea School stands as a tangible expression of the Consulate’s mandate: leveraging education, culture, and youth engagement to foster enduring partnerships, shared prosperity, and lasting friendship between nations.
