On Wednesday, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg had the opportunity to co-host the Med9 Foreign Affairs Ministers in Madrid, Spain, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno.
In Madrid, discussions focused on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the strengthening of relations with the Southern Neighbourhood.
In his intervention on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Minister Borg explained how the need for a Two-State Solution has never been more urgent and emphasised that this is the only way to ensure security both in Israel and in Palestine. He continued to state that it is essential for the European Union to have serious coordination with other regions around the world, including the United States. Dr Borg spoke about Malta’s resolution in the United Nations Security Council addressing humanitarian aid and highlighted that it is the only resolution approved since 2016, emphasising Malta’s continued advocacy for dialogue and peace.
During the discussion on the Southern Neighbourhood of the Mediterranean, Minister Ian Borg outlined Malta’s position, stating that peace in the world cannot be achieved if there is no peace and stability in the Mediterranean region. He stressed that this should not be taken as an obvious fact but should be given more attention than ever before.
He supported the recent developments by the European Union in dialogue with Tunisia and Egypt, considering them important steps forward in relations with North Africa. Minister Borg recalled what had been discussed earlier this year in Malta regarding the need for cooperation in the energy sector in light of the challenges faced, asserting that the Mediterranean should serve to create a Centre for Clean Energy. He continued to say that Mediterranean countries should also continue to explore significant opportunities for trade that exist in the region.
Minister Borg concluded by praising the strengthening and consolidation of cooperation within the MED9 Group, the developments of which were discussed in Spain and which continued to build on the meetings that were organised in Malta during this year.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Ian Borg, together with the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares Bueno, led a press conference where they explained the conclusions and highlights of these discussions.
Photo: MFET
