In Brussels, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, and Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms, and Equality, Byron Camilleri, attended the joint Foreign Affairs Council.
The council was held on the first anniversary of the adoption of the Strategic Compass, where the aggression of Russia against Ukraine and the provision of more assistance to Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty were discussed.
During his intervention in the council, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, stated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine violates the principles of international law and therefore cannot be ignored. Minister Borg reiterated Malta’s commitment to continue supporting Ukraine, within its constitutional obligations, by providing humanitarian aid that meets Ukraine’s needs but not in terms of weaponry.
Minister Borg also called on the EU to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to security and defence, particularly by addressing the security challenges in the Southern Neighbourhood, which, if ignored, could pose a security threat to the European Union.
Minister Home Affairs, Security, Reforms, and Equality Byron Camilleri said that the adoption of the Strategic Compass during the past year, marked a positive step forward and that an agreement has now been reached on the Civilian Compact. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he reaffirmed how Malta will continue to give its support to the Ukrainian people, primarily through humanitarian provisions and other products.
Meanwhile, Malta joined several other member states in an initiative led by the European Defence Agency in order to make a joint purchase of various types of ammunition. Through this initiative, Malta will benefit from economies of scale and security of supply for the resources of the Armed Forces of Malta.
Photo (MFET)
