Prime Minister Robert Abela took part in the One Ocean Summit held in Brest, France, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. France currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This summit was intended to bring the international community together with a view to raising awareness and discussing action to protect the seas and oceans.
The day was dedicated to sessions attended by leaders of countries around the world and European institutions, including European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Council President Charles. Michel.
Prime Minister Robert Abela delivered a panel discussion focusing on the maritime industry, which included the French President, the President of Cyprus, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland and the President of Egypt, among others.
Prime Minister Abela spoke about the realities of Malta. An island country heavily dependent on the sea for various sectors including the import and export of goods, tourism, cruise liners, fishing, fish farms and the commercial maritime sector such as they are not shipyards, among others. “You have to consider all the perspectives,” said the Prime Minister, explaining how we need to better protect our seas while keeping everyone’s realities in mind.
He mentioned the steps Malta has taken to reduce the impact of certain offshore activity through investments in major shore to ship projects to reduce emissions from ships, including passenger ones. “We have introduced two shore to ship facilities that will allow ships to shut down their engines in port and reduce emissions. The irony is that while we are doing this work, these ships are still turning in the Mediterranean with heavy fuel oil. That is the reality that we have to face, “said the Prime Minister, who also spoke about the need to use cleaner energy sources. “We have solutions at present that we do not use,” the Prime Minister added, urging those present, including people from industry, to look at them more.
Prime Minister Robert Abela also spoke about other steps Malta has taken, including a ban on the import and sale of single use plastic. “It’s a change that will make a big difference,” said the Prime Minister, explaining how these are the changes we want to work for.
“Yes, we need to improve the quality of our seas and our environment. But let’s look at each initiative in its entirety. We do not ignore the realities of small islands for which the sea means a lot to their economies and people, “concluded the Prime Minister, who emphasized the need to rise to the occasion in the face of the challenge of caring for our environment.
During this summit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg.
Photo: OPM
