Speaking in two tongues.
Language games that confuse or enlighten are a handy diplomatic tool.
When the UK leaves the EU, the remaining 27 states will still be able to use English for such verbal manoeuvres in official meetings and events. For a language to be used in official business, one of the member countries has to have it as its official language.
The EU may or may not want to thank Malta for this because that country has two official languages. Maltese (the semitic Malti) is its official national language and is ‘a co-official language’ alongside English.
What will the French reaction be?