President postpones State visit to Malta due to Covid-19 situation

President Michael D Higgins has cancelled his State visit to Malta next week because of the developing Covid-19 situation.

President Higgins had been due to undertake the visit departing on Wednesday and returning next Saturday.

The visit would have been the first State visit to Malta by an Irish President since 2006.

President Higgins said he had taken the decision in solidarity with the Irish people “in doing all that we can to collectively combat the spread of the virus”.

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He added: “In light of recent developments and new concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, it is with regret that I have made the decision to postpone the State Visit which I was due to undertake to Malta next week.

"I deeply appreciate the invitation which had been extended to myself and Sabina by President George Vella and his wife Miriam and I greatly value the long established friendships between our two countries."

President Higgins said he had taken into account the advice of the Government following updated World Health Organisation and EU guidance and that of its medical advisers.