DEAR Malta,

Happy Independence Day from your Scottish friends. We raise a wee dram of whisky to you and toast your sovereignty and your right to determine your own destiny as a nation in Europe.

We realise that in this most unprecedented of times, your celebrations will have been rather subdued and more private due to the pandemic and social restrictions on larger gatherings.

But we hope this did not dampen your spirits or family festivities too much. We Scots have observed your progress in the last 56 years with great interest.

From a colony to a nation once again, with a strong equal partnership in the European Union, there is much for Scotland to admire from a wistful distance.

While our endeavour for self-determination continues, Malta’s place in Europe and the positive economic, political and international benefits this brings endure and progress.

READ MORE: How Malta is forging its own path as 56 year independence anniversary passes

As two small nations, we have much in common in these turbulent times of economic uncertainty and environmental concern.

The storms of Brexit draw closer while we fight to keep our citizens healthy and safe in the face of a global pandemic and climate change.

Despite these troubles, we both remain strong in our resolve to build back better in the aftermath.

And despite our geographical distance, the hand of friendship stretches far across the many miles of ocean and land that lies between us, with a hope that we too may celebrate our own Independence Day in the years to come.

In the words of our great hero, William Wallace: “Freedom is best, I tell thee true, of all things to be won”.

Yours aye,

Douglas Chapman MP