“My appeal for the coming year is to work together to turn challenges into opportunities to pave the way for a brighter future.” – Prime Minister Robert Abela in his annual address to the Diplomatic Corps
The Prime Minister, Robert Abela, made his annual new year address to the Diplomatic Corps and Honorary Consuls
In his virtual address, Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed for all sectors of society to join forces and work together to turn this year’s challenges into opportunties.
“Let us agree to take tough but ambitious decisions which will ultimately lead to better days,” said Dr Abela. “Let’s work for a fairer society which is more just and which takes with utmost seriousness its responsibilities towards the environment and sustainable development,” stated the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stressed the global challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and praised the important work carried out by the Diplomatic Corps to ensure that cross-border flights were maintained. Dr Abela also referred to the arrival of the first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in Malta and the hope for a return to normality in the coming months.
The Prime Minister outlined the extensive work and measures introduced by this administration in 2020, particularly the unprecedented institutional reforms, more civil liberties, particularly the proposed changes to the divorce law, and the Government’s continous efforts to assist the economy and safeguard jobs, with measures such as the wage supplements and the vouchers having been instrumental in protecting businesses and employment.
Dr Abela mentioned the strategic importance of the Mediterranean region and stated that there can be no peace in Europe without peace in the Mediterranean. The Prime Minister noted that Malta will continue working for peace and sustainable development in Mediterranean countries and spoke about engagement and cooperation with Libya and the African continent. Dr Abela mentioned the migration challenge as well as the potential of partnerships which increase trade flows between Europe and Africa to the benefit of both sides, such as investments in renewable sources of energy.
The Prime Minister also referred to Malta’s upcoming bid for the election of the UN Security Council, which he desribed as an opportunity to strenghten the profile and international reputation of Malta and its Diplomatic Corps.
