201. Diplomat by destiny

George Saliba was a career diplomat, whose service to his country spanned decades. From a childhood in the southern Maltese coastal village of Żurrieq, he pursued his studies, ultimately earning a Master’s degree from John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, after which Saliba joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and went on to walk the highest international corridors of power. Starting as Malta’s ambassador to the Arabian Gulf states, he moved on to serve as ambassador to Libya, and then to Russia, from where he was summoned to New York to serve as Malta’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, after which he served as ambassador to the United States. His long and distinguished career saw him serving under both Labour and Nationalist administrations, a feat in its own right in such a polarised political climate as Malta’s.

Against the backdrop of momentous global events during his time at the heart of Malta’s diplomatic efforts, George Saliba explores the delicate art of diplomacy. Through personal stories and professional insights, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of balancing national and international interests, navigating geopolitical tensions, interactions with world leaders and representing a nation in a career dedicated to advocating for Malta on the international stage. He takes great care to give us glimpses of how family and personal connections contributed in no small way to his struggles and successes in his career.