“We need to remain united to face the challenges in the Mediterranean region”

“It is essential that as Mediterranean countries we remain united in order to face the challenges we have in the region. We cannot work in isolation to solve problems which are collective.” Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg emphasised this while he was addressing the 7th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean and the 4th Ministerial meeting of the Southern Mediterranean countries in Barcelona.

Malta was, still is and will continue to support every effort being made by the Union for the Mediterranean so that everyone contributes and assists for solutions during this difficult time that the region is going through. Minister Borg reiterated how Malta will continue to push forward the need for more dialogue in order for peace and stability to reign.

Minister Borg spoke among others about the importance of food security and the impact on the increase in prices in our region. He said that this phenomenon cannot be ignored and it is necessary for all countries to think of tangible solutions for this crisis to be addressed. The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke about how Malta is working so that the Maltese and Gozitan people experience the least impact possible with regards to these increases, particularly when it comes to the energy sector.

During his interventions Minister Borg also spoke about the sectors of climate change, youth and women and the need for more connectivity between the Mediterranean countries.

In the margins of this meeting, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade also had bilateral meetings with the Secretary General of the Union Nasser Kamel and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Libya Najla El Mangoush, Lebanon’s Abdallah Bou Habib and Morocco’s Nasser Bourita.