Nagaland hosted the Malta Country Partner Roundtable on December 11, chaired by Abu Metha, where both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in music, arts, education, enterprise, creative industries and youth engagement.
Metha welcomed the Maltese delegation and highlighted Nagaland’s cultural vibrancy, global music engagements and its historical significance in the Battle of Kohima.
Malta’s High Commissioner to India, H. E. Reuben Gauci, drew parallels between Malta’s colonial past and Naga history, emphasising shared experiences that create a natural basis for cultural understanding. He described Malta as the smallest member of the European Union and noted longstanding people-to-people links, including Maltese families adopting children from Nagaland.
Gauci also referred to Malta’s academic heritage, with the University of Malta dating back to the 18th century, and welcomed potential collaborations with Nagaland University.
Professor Norbert, part of the visiting Maltese delegation, commended the depth and originality of Naga writers, stating that their literary voice deserves greater international readership. He expressed strong willingness to facilitate academic exchanges, author residencies and cultural collaborations between institutions in Malta and Nagaland.
The meeting also noted opportunities in hospitality sector employment, academic exchange through the University of Malta and collaboration in emerging creative sectors.
According to IDAN, the two back-to-back engagements reaffirm Nagaland’s commitment to position the State as a destination for regional partnership, international collaboration, economic progress and cultural exchange through the Hornbill Festival platform.