Exploring Cultural Diplomacy: How Malta and Côte d’Ivoire Forge Mutual Respect and Shared Heritage
In the sun-drenched corridors of the Ministry for Culture, Lands, and Local Government in Valletta, a quiet but profound shift in the geopolitical landscape is taking place. While international headlines often frame the relationship between Africa and Europe through the narrow, often negative lenses of migration or security, a different story is being written here, one of heritage, shared history, and mutual respect.
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On January 14, 2026, a high-level delegation from the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire met with senior Maltese officials. On the surface, it was a “courtesy visit.” In reality, it was a masterclass in soft power, the art of winning hearts and minds through attraction rather than coercion.
Led by H.E. Mrqs. Anthony C. Coleiro, the Honorary Consul, the meeting signaled a bold bet: that the path to a stronger future lies not just in cold trade deals, but in the soul of the two nations: their culture.
The Architects of Diaspora Diplomacy: The Role of Prof. Oluwafemi Esan
Central to this mission is His Excellency Sir Amb. Prof. Oluwafemi Esan, the Consulate Attaché for Academic, Scientific, and Professional Affairs. In the world of diplomacy, titles can often feel hollow, but Prof. Esan serves as a pivotal bridge between intellectual depth and practical action.
Prof. Esan brings a unique toolset to the table: Transpersonal Psychology. While that may sound complex, for the average person, it means he focuses on the “bigger picture” of human connection, how people develop their best selves and find common ground.
He isn’t just an administrator; he is a specialist in leadership who understands that for diplomacy to work, people must feel a psychological and spiritual connection to one another.
His credentials speak to a lifetime of building platforms for the African diaspora:
- Founder of El-ROI London University: The first Black-owned American university in London, creating a space for educational empowerment.
- Global Mediator: His appointment as Ambassador for London and the EU by the Sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii underscores his status as a trusted voice on the world stage.
In Malta, Prof. Esan is redefining what it means to be a “diaspora diplomat.” He doesn’t just advocate for paperwork; he champions a “non-religious concept of spirituality” that promotes empathy between Ivorian expatriates and their Maltese neighbors.
His work ensures that the Ivorian community isn’t just “living” in Malta, but is actively contributing to the intellectual and social fabric of the islands.
Beyond the Post-Colonial Shadow
For many in the African diaspora, diplomatic meetings between African and European nations can feel repetitive. We are used to the “donor-recipient” dynamic, where one side gives aid and the other receives it.
However, the “collaboration dossier” presented by Consul Coleiro suggests a more sophisticated, horizontal partnership, a meeting of equals.
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Flanked by Prof. Esan and Mr. Ousmane Dicko (who focuses on the well-being of Ivorians in Malta and Gozo), the delegation signaled a holistic approach. This wasn’t just government-to-government talk; it was about the people, the scholars, the artists, and the thousands of Ivorians who call these limestone islands home.
“It’s about visibility and dignity,” says one observer of West African diplomacy. “By bringing an academic and a diaspora representative to the table, the Consulate is saying that the Ivorian presence in Malta is an intellectual and social asset, not a problem to be solved.”
The Power of Diaspora Leadership
Why does this matter to the average person? Because for the African diaspora, quality leadership is the essential tool for reshaping a global narrative that has long been dictated by outsiders.
When leaders like Coleiro and Esan step into these roles, they act as “dual citizens” of culture. They have the unique ability to translate a transnational aspiration into the language of international policy while maintaining an authentic heartbeat for their ancestral roots.
This isn’t just about “representation” or having a seat at the table; it’s about being the architects of a new collaboration. They ensure the continent and its people are no longer just subjects of global discussion, but the primary authors of their own future.
The Valletta-Abidjan Connection: A Cultural Bridge
The proposals discussed with Mr. Kevin Mahoney, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, were as ambitious as they were inspiring. At the heart of the meeting was the idea of a “Malta–Côte d’Ivoire Cultural Week.”
Imagine the scene: The baroque, honey-colored streets of Valletta, a city built by the Knights of St. John, echoing with the polyphonic rhythms of the Ivorian Zaouli mask dance. Or the bustling markets of Abidjan, often called the “Paris of West Africa,” hosting exhibitions of delicate Maltese lace and silver filigree.
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The plan is for this exchange to alternate annually between the two capitals. It is a brilliant bit of diplomacy because culture is the most effective way to dismantle prejudice. It is hard to fear a neighbor once you have shared their music, eaten their food, and understood their art.
Key Pillars of the Partnership
| Area of Focus | Proposed Initiative | Long-term Goal |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Annual Cultural Weeks (Valletta & Abidjan) | Boost tourism and mutual respect |
| Heritage | Digital archiving & conservation training | Preserving shared history for our children |
| Local Governance | Twinning Maltese and Ivorian towns | Solving local problems through global friendship |
Preserving a Shared Past for a Digital Future
One of the most vital aspects of the meeting involved heritage preservation. Malta is a world leader in conservation; the entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Côte d’Ivoire also possesses a rich tapestry of history, from the colonial architecture of Grand-Bassam to ancient indigenous traditions.
The proposal for collaborative digital archiving is particularly moving. For Africa, reclaiming and documenting its history is a revolutionary act.
By sharing expertise in professional training, Malta and Côte d’Ivoire are effectively saying that their histories, though separated by the vastness of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, are part of a single human story.
From the Ministry to the Streets: Local Twinning
Perhaps the most practical outcome discussed was the twinning of local councils. Often, “diplomacy” feels like something that happens in glass towers between elites. But twinning a small village in rural Malta with a municipality in Côte d’Ivoire brings diplomacy to the dinner table.
It allows local mayors to share notes on everyday things: waste management, urban planning, and how to get young people involved in their communities. As Consul Coleiro noted, these are the “first steps” in bringing people closer together in a meaningful way.
“I was particularly inspired by the shared commitment to culture, heritage, and community development,” Coleiro said, reflecting on the optimism that defined the talks.
The Road Ahead: The “Engagement Ring” of Diplomacy
The meeting ended with the groundwork for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In the world of international relations, an MoU is like an “engagement ring” before the “marriage” of a formal treaty.
It signals that both sides are finished with polite conversation and are ready to move toward signed contracts, shared budgets, and real-world projects.
For Malta, a gateway to the European Union, and Côte d’Ivoire, a powerhouse of the West African (ECOWAS) region, this relationship is a strategic masterstroke. It positions Malta as a smart, nuanced partner for African affairs and offers Côte d’Ivoire a sophisticated ally in the heart of Europe.
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The success of this partnership will ultimately depend on whether these high-level talks filter down to the coffee shops of Valletta and the vibrant neighborhoods of Abidjan. But for now, the message from the Ministry is clear: the bridge is being built.
It is being constructed with more than just stone and ink, it is being built on the shared belief that our cultures are our greatest currency.
