On 22nd October 2020, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo co-chaired the 16th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the 5+5 Western Mediterranean Dialogue, which was hosted virtually by Tunisia. The overall theme of the Ministerial Meeting was ‘Together for collective security and partnership in the Western Basin for the Mediterranean’. A declaration was also adopted.
The Ministerial Meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of the 5+5 countries – Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Portugal and Spain. It also saw the participation of observer institutions, including the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.
During his speech, the minister spoke about the importance of dialogue in the Mediterranean to foster cooperation, particularly in the current circumstances when all countries are challenged by the pandemic.
He reiterated Malta’s support for initiatives facilitating peace and stability in Libya as a primary objective of Malta’s foreign policy. In this context, Malta was being proactive with all Libyan interlocutors to create the conditions for dialogue. He also expressed his full support for the work of the United Nations and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Referring to the Middle East Peace Process, the minister reiterated Malta’s consistent position in favour of a two-state solution, and in compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions and the internationally agreed parameters.
On migration, Minister Bartolo underscored the need to tackle irregular migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner that mitigates reasons for displacements while sustaining the economic and social development in countries of origin.
He also spoke about the importance of realising the aspirations of youths and to provide a stable and prosperous future for the upcoming generations.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Bartolo congratulated Spain on assuming the Northern Co-presidency of the 5+5, after Malta’s term comes to an end in 2020.
