Introducing Honorary Vice Consul Chev. George P. Arrigo

In this article series the Embassy of Finland in Rome is presenting Honorary Consul Generals and Honorary Consuls in Italy, Malta and San Marino. In the first article we introduce Honorary Vice Consul Chev. George P. Arrigo from Malta.

When and how did you start as Honorary Consul of Finland?

My first involvement in the Honorary Consulate General was when I was appointed as a Director with the company ‘Oswald Arrigo Ltd´ in 1975 and the company still shares the offices with the Honorary Consulate General till this day. The company pioneers in Malta in assisting and establishing Finnish trading, shipping, tourism and investment interests in Malta since a very long time.

I was officially appointed Honorary Vice Consul for Finland in 1989 and continued assisting the Honorary Consulate General in Malta. I was decorated as Chevalier of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1999 for promoting good relations between Finland & Malta.

What is the best thing in your work as Honorary Consul?

I consider Finland as my second home so I feel very comfortable for my consular work. I have known the Finns since the time of my late father Oswald Arrigo, who served Finnish interests since 1937 as well before him my grandfather in 1931. During the term of my father as Honorary Consul General, I recall well three moments when I was still a young boy. First, my father took me to see the Finnish Naval Frigate Matti Kurki in 1964 when visiting Malta’s Port. We also saw a Finnish tanker at the Malta Docks for repairs in 1968.  And when my father used to come home, he brought samples of delicious Finnish cheese, chocolates and sweets. Therefore it has been natural for me to understand and experience the Finnish culture and way of life. For me when meeting a Finn, it’s like meeting a new friend.

In the picture from the left to right Simon Arrigo,  Honorary Consul General of Finland, his father late Edgar Arrigo, former Finnish Honorary Consul General, George Arrigo, Honorary Vice Consul and Luca Arrigo, son of George Arrigo during a business Fair Exhibition abroad.

What is Finland known for in the region you cover?

No doubt the cold weather in winter, especially in January with temperatures below zero.  But above all and not least for their excellent and  advanced governance skills and a disciplined way of life.

What does your region have to offer to Finnish people and Finnish companies?

Definitely the blue seas of the Mediterranean sunshine, hospitality, English speaking population and good friends and good business partners at the Honorary Consulate General in Malta.

Which Finnish expression or habit you like the most and why?

I like the word sisu because in English it means strength. The Finnish habit I have experienced is once you break the ice you are a friend.