The Foreign Affairs Council attended by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg held a discussion on the Western Balkans, in preparation for the Leaders’ Summit which will be held in Tirana, Albania on 6th of December. Malta stressed the need for visible initiatives and outcomes for the benefit of the citizens. Minister Borg also referred to the recent energy support package launched by the Commission and the agreements signed in Berlin by the six countries which will facilitate the free movement within the region as an example.
The Council also held an exchange of views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine starting with an intervention by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba. Malta underlined the importance of ensuring accountability in Ukraine, where atrocities must be thoroughly investigated. Minister Borg asserted that the EU’s actions must continue to be underpinned by unity. During its term as a United Nations Security Council Member, Malta will continue highlighting that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected.
Other issues raised at the Council included the upcoming Union for the Mediterranean and Southern Neighbourhood ministerial meetings. Foreign and European Affairs Minister Borg stated that the Mediterranean should remain high on the agenda. “Strengthening our engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood is crucial as the challenges are shared and solutions are mutually beneficial,” explained Minister Ian Borg. He also emphasised the importance of providing enough financial support to the Southern Neighbourhood for migration management, complementing the EU’s ambition in the region. In this regard, Minister Borg stressed that the Central Mediterranean continues to experience pressures and migration is a challenge for the entire European Union and therefore solutions must be sought at the European level within a coherent whole-of-route approach.
As part of its main agenda, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Great Lakes region in Africa whereas Iran, Lebanon, COP 27, COP 15 and EU-CELAC amongst others, were also discussed. Ministers held an exchange of views with the Leader of the democratic opposition forces in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. In the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Borg also held a bilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Photo: MFET
