SINCE gaining independence from the United Kingdom 56 years ago on Monday – on September 21, 1964 – the beautiful archipelago of Malta has forged its own path.

In 1974, the state of Malta became a republic, severing ties with the British monarchy and the Queen as head of state, with British forces finally leaving the island in 1979 when the defence treaty with the UK expired. Malta was then free to decide her own destiny, choosing to join the European Union in 2004 and adopting the euro in 2008.

Given Malta’s status as a small independent nation with a strong voice in Europe, Scotland has observed its progress with great interest as it has renewed its vital geopolitical relevance and connection with mainland Europe while boosting its participation at a global level.

With hopes and dreams of a very different future for Scotland as a small independent nation state, we look at Malta and see an equal partner in the European Union and admire the positive economic, political and international benefits this partnership brings.

In my role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Malta at Westminster, I’m keen to foster positive bilateral relations, offering the hand of friendship in times of international turmoil.

After all, we have much in common, not least in our historic ties to the UK and discussions on how to stand on our own two feet. Now, we both share concerns on the extensive challenges of Brexit, the economic crisis post-pandemic and the urgent threat of climate change.

Economists predict that Malta could be one of the worst-hit economies in Europe as a result of Brexit, with imports from the UK to Malta forming 27% of its GDP, the highest for any member state in the EU.

Restrictions on travel abroad due to the pandemic will also hit these islands hard, with a high proportion of their tourists coming from the UK every year, not to mention the knock-on effects of Brexit in terms of lost revenue from this market.

For Scotland, taken out of the EU against our will, Brexit will be a catastrophic event for our economy and future prosperity. Now, moves by the UK Government to take away our devolved powers could further emasculate our ability to survive this seismic change and rebuild our country in the aftermath.

Despite this volatility, as two small nations, Scotland and Malta have much to contribute to the larger global arena, especially in our shared commitment to address the environmental crisis with transformative and radical solutions to achieve net zero.

Research from the Maltese Resources Authorities has shown the people of Malta are anxious to protect their stunning natural heritage and are calling for change. This mirrors similar concerns in Scotland.

Both the Maltese administration and the Scottish Government are examining progressive solutions for a green recovery from Covid-19 with environmental action and social and economic wellbeing at its core.

Independence Day celebrations across the Maltese archipelago were much more muted this year due to Covid-19 restrictions on mass gatherings and concerns on social distancing.

The islands are also in the midst of the PN nationalist party’s new leadership election, while also battling with an extremely turbulent time in their political history with a government shaken to its core by scandal and allegations of corruption.

However, Malta has weathered many tempestuous storms in the past and we wish it well in its endeavours to overcome these political difficulties and forge solutions for the many external challenges that threaten at their door.

As small nations with big ideas and hopes and dreams for our future, I hope one day soon that the Maltese will be able to wish Scotland a Happy Independence Day too.